Ruth N. Begun

ruth begun
Ruth Begun

Ruth was born Ruth Weltmann, in Berlin, Germany in April 3, 1912. She passed away at the age of 102 on November 11, 2014. Ruth studied PhD level physics at the University of Berlin, the first Woman to do so. Her thesis was on boundary layers of non-compressible fluids. Ruth came to the United States in 1937 to work at Inter-chemical in New York City. There, she developed and patented a new device called a viscometer, which evinces the speed at which presses bleed ink. She married Semi Joe Begun in 1938. In 1941 she moved to Cleveland Ohio, where she joined NASA, Glen Space Center. There, she co-developed the (now commercially viable) spacecraft ion engine. She was also a visiting professor of Rheology at Case Western University. In 1972 Ruth and Semi founded the "Society for the Prevention of Violence (SVP)", and in 2001 they established the "Begun Foundation", both dedicated to addressing the scourge of violence in our society. Ruth wrote her first of six books "Social Skills: Lessons and Activities for PreK" in 1990. Ruth was a tenacious and avid learner and lover of life, and continued to work on her writing and to read scientific literature as a centenarian. She is survived by her nephews nieces, and their descendants, Allan, Jacob, and Emma Steinhardt, Ruth Sanderson, and Mia Weltmann. Please Send donations to the SVP 6393 Oak Tree Blvd. Suite 342, Independence, OH 44131 in lieu of flowers.

Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

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  1. Dear Allan and Family, What a remarkable life your Aunt Ruth pursued and lived! You carry on her and your Uncle Semi’s passion to end violence with compassion, intelligence and foresight. May their memories and legacy be forever a blessing.


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