Robin Ruhf Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Robin Ruhf
Start: 2024-03-09T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Grace Church Cathedral

Robin Ruhf CHARLESTON - On Friday, February 16, 2024, Robin Ann Ruhf, 80, loving spouse of Hilton Caston, passed away in Charleston, SC. Robin Ruhf was born on May 25, 1943, in a Quonset hut at Georgia's Warner Robins AFB to the late Richard Charles and Sara Ruhe Ruhf of Limeport, PA. She received her Speech and Theatre BA from Michigan State University and MEd in Counseling from Antioch New England. After graduating from MSU, Robin accepted an internship from the Unicorn Theatre in London, where she perfected her gift of teaching improvisational acting for children. The Theatre's Ursula Jones recalls, "She was one of those rare, golden people who wore her passions and persuasions on her sleeve for us all to see and understand. That takes courage, and can be wickedly effective when backed up by an intellect as powerful as hers." Over a long career, she enjoyed her positions at Manhattan's Bank Street College of Education and as the Arts Director of the Devereux Glenholme School in Washington, CT. Earlier, in Berkeley, CA, she launched the Young Actors Workshop and the Alternative Safari School. "She was an educator and artist, someone who would see the spark in somebody and blow on it until it glowed." recalls Cassandra Purdy, Chef and Owner of Sweetgrass Botanicals. Robin was preceded in death by her brothers, John "Jack" and Lawrence "Larry" Ruhf. Survivors include her spouse, Hilton Caston; brother-in-law, Dr. William Tate, both of Charleston; brother, Peter Ruhf, of Northampton, MA; niece, Fawni Ruhf of Keaau, HI; sister-in-law, Kathryn Ruhf; niece and nephew, Adam, and Zoe Ruhf and grandniece, Via Ruhf Rodgers, all of MA. A celebration of her life will occur on Saturday, March 9th, at 1 pm, Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Mar. 5 to Mar. 8, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robin Ruhf

5 Entries

Frank DiMauro

July 23, 2025

When I mentioned to Robin ( who I met through my work colleague Hilton) that my son Rob was a struggling 10 year old with a stutter who had trouble socializing, Robin suggested he register for a theater acting workshop she was giving at the local community center in Carrboro. Rob loved imitating movie/TV characters and had a knack for making people laugh. So we registered Rob in the theater workshop and he loved working/playing with Robin, who was so patient, kind and fully engaged with Rob.
Rob´s self confidence improved after that and he went on to learning how to play drums/percussion, after learning that many drummers also stuttered. Rob is now, at age 40, a professional drummer and percussion instructor at School of Rock in Chapel Hill, NC, and this week, he is also one of the camp counselors to a weeklong drumming camp for students aged 8-16!
I believe Robin helped him on his way to self realization and total confidence in his innate worth and abilities. Thank you Robin, we shall never forget you.

Michael Barnes

July 19, 2025

I had the pleasure of staying with Robin when I hitchhiked around USA/Canada in August 1972. She had been mentioned by Phil Rickert in Boston & lived in Kains Ave, Albany. I then lost touch with her. I remember she had a bed suspended from the ceiling. A lovely lady.

Samantha King

June 7, 2024

Robin was my mother's best friend in High School, and my first grownup friend. She brought me my first imaginary friend, Bagley Beetle. She introduced me to my imagination. She housed my mother and myself in Berkeley when we fled from scary circumstances, and introduced my young 11 year old mind to theatre. I have been a theatre teacher for 25 years, and never would have been if it weren't for her. She was a warm, wide open fairy godmother, and my heartaches and goes out to everyone she touched.

Gaydon Phillips

March 7, 2024

My beloved Robin, who I've known for so many years, back to the Unicorn days.
Part of my heart will always be with you, and your wonderful partnership with Hilton for all these years.
All thoughts and love for your rememberance ceremony on Saturday.

Gaydon Phillips

Rita Addison

March 6, 2024

What a delightful obituary to observe. May God wrap His Grace around the families and friends. Sincere condolences.

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