Ruth May Wright

Born: June 21, 1921 in Lansing, Michigan

Died: September 15, 2012 in Atlantic Beach, Florida

Ruth, daughter of Charles and Ethel Weinman, was born on Robertson Ave in Lansing, Michigan, Growing up through the Depression, she held her own with three brothers Harold, Chuck, and Don in the house where she was born, located on the Grand River. She graduated from Central Hill School in 1940 where she excelled in athletics and met her future husband, Albert Daniels Wright, at a church dinner shortly thereafter. They were married on June 20, 1943 while Albert attended Veterinary school at Michigan State University.

After Al’s graduation and a move to Wells River, Vermont in 1945, Ruth became the office manager of Albert’s new veterinary practice and clinic on Main Street.

In 1953, Albert was called into service with the Air Force and the family moved to England. She returned to Northern California in 1956 with four children in tow and pregnant with a fifth. For the next 26 years Ruth managed a growing family; movement to Texas, Michigan, back to England, Southern California, Florida and Mississippi; and a budding artist career; all done with grace and focus.

While in England, she made over 75 brass rubbings from original brasses in churches all over the country. In later years she exhibited and taught the art form to elementary school children.

Upon retirement in 1979, Ruth and Al went on a year Airstream tour and then relocated to Halls Lake, VT and Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL. Ruth continued to paint and participate in the life of the Wells River Congregational Church and Palms Presbyterian Church.

Her daughter Debbie preceded her in death in 1970. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Weddle (Pat) of Nashville, TN; son, Richard D. Wright (Carol) of Nashville; son, Bruce Wright (Kerie Hitt) of Reston, VA and daughter, Linda Shotwell (Thom) of Culpeper, VA; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan on September 26, 2012. Arrangements by Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL.