Obituary of Ruth M. Hansen

Ruth M. Hansen, 88, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026.Ruth lived a long and meaningful life defined by devotion to her family, quiet strength, and enduring faith.

Ruth was born on June 13, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, to Hedvig and Torvald Bensen. She was raised in Brooklyn alongside her brother, Arthur, and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. It was during her time at Bethelship Methodist Church that Ruth met the love of her life, Martin Hansen. Their connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married in January of 1962. Together, they shared more than 64 years filled with love, laughter, and enduring companionship.

After starting their family in Brooklyn, Ruth and Martin relocated to Rockaway, New Jersey, where they raised their three children, Nancy, Richard, and Kristine. In 1972, the family became devoted members of Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church, beginning a decades-long journey of faith and service. Ruth’s generous spirit shone brightly through her involvement in the church’s knitting group, where she lovingly created sweaters, hats, and blankets for the nursery school and local hospitals, bringing comfort to countless families.

Ruth attended secretarial school and went on to work for many years as an executive assistant for the Villager Division of Cendant Corporation. She approached her work with dedication and professionalism, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Outside of her career, Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a gifted knitter, a phenomenal cook and baker, and had a keen eye for fashion, often expressing her vibrant personality through her style. Above all else, Ruth cherished her role as a wife, mother, and friend. Her warmth, loyalty, and steady presence were the foundation of her family, and her love will continue to guide them.

Ruth’s life was one of quiet strength, deep faith, and boundless love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were touched by her kindness. Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, Martin Hansen, her children, Nancy Thomas and her husband Jerry, Richard “Butch” Hansen and his wife Beth, Kristine Lessig and her husband Carl “Buddy”, her grandchildren, Megan, Sarah, James, Andrew, Chase, her great grandchildren, Emersyn, Adelaide, Rayleigh, as well as a wealth of friends and neighbors who will remember her fondly. She is now reunited who those who passed before her; her brother, Arthur Bensen, and her parents, Torvald Bensen and Hedvig Bensen (Nee Tonnesen).

If you would like to contribute to Ruth’s legacy in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church. Memorial Donations may be made via this link.

Hours of public visitation for Ruth will be held on Monday, May 11, from 3 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 10 AM at Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church, 113 S Hillside Ave, Succasunna, NJ 07876. A graveside service will follow immediately after at Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 75 N Church Road, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Please join us to celebrate the life of this incredible woman, and use this page to leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Ruth’s light shine!