Ruth Beckwith

East Lyme — Ruth Simons Beckwith, 96, of Niantic, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 28, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born April 10, 1922, in Canton, Mass., the daughter of William and Lea (Blanc) Simons.

She married Russell Howard Beckwith at St. James Church in New London on Nov. 15, 1942. Having met at New London Junior College, now Mitchell College, Class of 1941, they became devoted alumni involved in many facets of service to the college. This spirit continued through their membership and support of Saint John’s Episcopal Church, The Oswegatchie Hills Club, and dedication to other community and local organizations.

Ruth was first employed at Electric Boat as an administrator and later in life at the East Lyme and New London Visiting Nurse Associations.

Ruth lived her life with integrity. She possessed a strength of spirit, a selfless nature, a great sense of humor and was beloved and respected by her family and friends.

She is predeceased by her husband, Russell Howard Beckwith; daughter, Susan Beckwith Pfanner; brother, William Simons; and sister, Marion Caird.

She is survived by daughters, Deborah Beckwith Sullivan (Michael), Diane Beckwith Sullivan and Shirley Beckwith; grandchildren, Jill Pfanner Lloyd (Jay) and Robert D. Pfanner (Rachel), Christopher Sullivan and Amie Sullivan Evans (Matthew); two great-granddaughters, Morgan Lloyd and Brooklyn Evans; her sister, Elizabeth Peckham; three nieces and two nephews.

The family thanks her caregivers and church friends for their loving support.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. July 13, 2018, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Niantic.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society; VNASC, 403 N. Frontage Road, Waterford, CT 06385; or Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.