Ruth Elizabeth Pickard

Ruth E. Pickard peacefully passed away on July 6, 2020 at the age of 93. She was born in St. Louis, MO, to Henry and Louise Sallenbach on May 23, 1927. In 1945, she moved to West Palm Beach, FL and married her first husband shortly thereafter, Edward “Buddy” McWatters. They were married for many years and had five children but divorced in 1967.

For 30+ years Ruth was a proud US Postal worker at locations in North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Lake Park, FL and testified to congress about how retirement cuts made by then President Reagan adversely affected her and fellow postal workers. Due to the cuts, she worked at Anthony’s where she loved shopping and meeting new people. She enjoyed attending church and volunteering at Trinity United Methodist Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She liked gardening, cooking, politics and watching sports, especially hockey - Go Blues! She always said some of her favorite memories were when she was watching her daughter play sports and going to the Hobe Sound Catfish House with her sister and brother-in-law, Wilma (Dede) and Joe Portman.

Ruth is survived by her sister Betty Lou Pickren, brother in law, Joe Portman, sister-in-law, Ruth Sallenbach, five children, Kathy Defee, Tom (Laura) McWatters, Steve (Jamie) McWatters, Mark (Teresa) McWatters, Bonnie (Chris) Caroline, eight grandchildren, Heather Neering, Jennifer Arrato, Brenna Monteleone, Jack Caroline, Matthew, Brittany, Aren and Jill McWatters, eight great grandchildren and her 2nd husband, Paul Pickard.

She is predeceased by her parents, brother Henry and sister Wilma (Dede) Portman.

She was a devoted mother with a funny, loving, kind and very sweet personality who will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Due to COVID-19 pandemic a small, private memorial is planned.

If you wish to celebrate her life, please consider a gift to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 or to Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch (The Humane Society of Greater Jupiter/Tequesta*).

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Jupiter Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and to TrustBridge Hospice.