SOUTHAMPTON – Ruth Jean Kareta (1934-2025) passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. Ruth was born to the late Stanley and Mary Stolarz.
Ruth grew up in Sandy Hill Chicopee and attended local schools. She then went onto further her education at Bay Path Junior College. Ruth started her career with Fred S. O’Donnell and Company Realtors and Insurers as an appraiser. Ruth also then ran the family business, Kareta Concrete Foundations Construction in Westfield.
Ruth also enjoyed entertaining while cooking for her friends and family. Ruth wore many hats. Some of her favorites were, Ruth “Rooty” Kareta as her grandchildren nicknamed her, and her great-grandchildren lovingly called her Grandma Babcia. If you knew Ruth, you were lucky. Ruth had a sense of humor like no other. She also put you in your place if you needed to be, but she loved fiercely.
Ruth is survived by her brother Stanley Stolarz and wife Joan of Southwick, beloved son David B. Kareta and his wife Charlene of Southampton. Ruth is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Laura Rice and her husband Lee of NH, Zachary Kareta and his girlfriend Abby of Westfield, Theodore (Teddy) Kareta and his girlfriend Jordan Dietrich of Flagstaff, AZ, and her great-grandchildren Ethan and Camyrn. She also had many friends who will miss her dearly.
She was sadly predeceased by her husband, Richard T. Kareta and her son Stephen R. Kareta.
The Kareta family would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful staff at Advantage Health for going above and beyond showing their love in caring for Ruth.
A visiting hour will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Funeral Home Service at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation New England Chapter, Attn: Donor Services, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126. www.firtionadams.com
