Mrs. Ruth E. Dodge

Ruth Elizabeth Van Sant Dodge, 98, died peacefully in her sleep on June 22 at her home at Fairhaven in Sykesville, MD. surrounded by family and friends. Ruth was born on November 11, 1914 in Berkeley, Ca. As a young girl she traveled extensively with her brother and parents living in France, Switzerland and Mallorca. Her family returned to the US in 1933 and settled in Washington, DC. Ruth studied art while in Europe and continued her education at the Corcoran Gallery School of Art. Ruth married J Robert Dodge in 1940. They made their home in Washington DC and Braddock Heights, MD and traveled extensively for Bob’s career as a government architect. Both Bob and Ruth were talented artists and recorded their travels around the US and around the world in oil and watercolor. Art was a lifelong passion for her and she painted in both oil and watercolor. One of her large drawings of a rural scene in Mallorca is part of the permanent collection of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. She organized numerous shows at Fairhaven, including the first juried art exhibition. Trips to regional museums from Winterthur to Washington, D.C. were always a special enjoyment for her. Ruth was also an accomplished author. Her book, God’s Gift, recorded her reflections on the Gospel According to John. Ruth and Bob were among the original residents of Fairhaven. At Fairhaven they became part of a thriving community of artists that shared their commitment and devotion to the Episcopal Church. Ruth was a formative force in shaping the community at Fairhaven. She conceived of and brought to fruition the Fairhaven Art Studio. Her gift for music and organization led to the Chapel Choir, which continues to enhance worship through the beauty of sacred music. Ruth’s faith was a principle focus of her life. She designed an altar frontal for the Fairhaven Chapel that symbolized the light of divine presence that infused her life. She was commissioned as a Lay Eucharistic Minister in 2004. An art gallery in her honor was dedicated at Fairhaven in 2009. Her parents Ruth Goodman Van Sant and Robert Hayes Van Sant, her brother Harvey Van Sant and her husband Robert Dodge preceded Ruth in death. Her nieces Fern Van Sant (Santa Cruz, CA) and Bettina Van Sant Deyl (West Palm Beach, FL) and their children survive her. Ruth will be missed by many. A celebration of her life led by The Rev. Wayne Larson and The Rev. Sarah Lewis will be held at the Fairhaven Chapel at 2pm on September 7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Fairhaven Chapel Fund, 7200 Third Avenue, Sykesville, MD 21784.

Mrs. Ruth E. Dodge

November 11, 1914 - June 22, 2013