Ruth Laufer, 94 of Oakhurst passed away peacefully at home on Saturday May 19, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born and raised in Newark, NJ, the youngest of 4 children to Rubin and Fanny (Saunders) Epstein. She attended Weequahic High School where she met the love of her life, Harry Laufer. They wed shortly after school, starting a marriage that lasted over 63 years until Harry died in 2005. While Harry went off to fight during WWII, Ruth looked after the home front for the three years that Harry was away.

They moved to Deal in the early 50’s. Hard work and family values allowed them to raise two sons and three daughters, send them all to college, one to law school and one to medical school. Together they traveled the world but their greatest accomplishment was the family that they had created; 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

After Harry passed, the family became a matriarchy. Ruth never missed a family event, always showing up impeccably dressed and commanding the room. She loved all people, flowers, pets, babies and things of beauty. But most of all, she loved her family and they loved her in return. She was the ultimate Mom and Granny with a home full of pictures and a kitchen full of treats for all who came to visit.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Harry Laufer, parents, Rubin and Fanny (Saunders) Epstein, brother Harry Epstein and sisters Jean Schwartz and Thelma Bromberg.
Surviving are her children Dr. Sam Laufer and wife Barbara of Fair Haven; William Laufer and wife Angela of Chester; Margaret Laufer and husband Glenn Intile of Amesbury, Mass; Brian Egolf of Mass.,Amy Laufer and partner Patti Leahey, of Long Branch; Ruby Laufer of Little Silver and Dr. Mark O’Connell of Rumson, Grandchildren Michael Laufer, Kate Laufer Gorenstein and husband Jeffrey, David Laufer, James Laufer, Alexis Laufer, Marisa Huthwaite and husband Ryan, Amanda Laufer Camelotto and husband Andrew, Chelsea Laufer, Marlon Egolf and wife Julia, Julian Egolf, Benjamin O’Connell, Pete O’Connell, and Dixie O’Connell. Great-grandchildren Will Gorenstein, Sienna and Madison Konkus, Charlotte and James Huthwaite and Olivia Camelotto.
Special thank you to caregiver and friend Izzy Smolinska.

The Funeral will be held at Temple Torat El, 301 Monmouth Rd, Ocean on Tuesday May 22nd at 11:00am with interment to follow at the Beth El Cemetery in Neptune. The family will sit Shiva on Tuesday following the interment and on Wednesday, May 23rd. Please contact the Woolley-Boglioli funeral home for details.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to VNA of Central NJ, MonmouthCounty SPCA or a charity of your choice.