Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, February 6, 1955

Feb. 6 – Sunday –

Communion – (Hank went with us, but sat in the back) So preoccupied was I, that on leaving the alter I took the wrong trim, and then went to the wrong pew, much to my embarrassment –

                In the evening over to the Richters; while we were there Fred called from Salem to tell me that Ruth B. had died suddenly about 1:00 Sunday A.M. So relieved was I when I learned it was Ruth and not Jim that I am afraid I was not properly regretful over the news. And yet there was no call for regret for her sake at least – She has been lonely and unhappy ever since Joe died. And as far as Jim is concerned, life now holds little for him and yet we healthier survivors cling to them and do not want them to go.

                There arose the question of whether to go to the funeral or not, but we decided against it, inasmuch[sic] as we could not do Ruth any good any more, and she had no relatives left to “honor” –

Charles E. Burchfield, February 6, 1955