Born in Cortland, New York, Ruth was the daughter of Wilbur and Myrta Forbes. A 1945 graduate of Homer Academy and High School, Ruth was active in Girl Scouts, 4-H and Grange. After graduating from Keuka College in 1950, she became a research librarian for the Eastern Research Division of ITT Rayonier in New Jersey.
It was in New Jersey that she met her husband, Lee N. Stanley. They spent most of their years living on the island of Aruba as part of the Seroe Colorado community that supported Lago Oil and Transport (Esso/Exxon). Ruth served as a Confidential secretary for Lago Management during Union negotiations; a substitute librarian for Lago Schools; and became an avid bird watcher. Her love of birds was chronicled in a local book “Wildlife of Aruba”.
Upon retirement, the Stanleys relocated to Pine Island, FL, where they enjoyed boating and fishing, as well as extensive world travels.
Ruth was a member of First Congregational Church of Cape Coral; PEO Chapter FT; and was an expert bridge player.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister, Esther Twentyman Potter.
She is survived by a special niece, Betsy Hulvey (Glenn) of Harrisonburg, VA; sisters Ellen Andrews of Greenville, SC; Marge Wright of Hampden, MA; and Dorie Bechtel of Cape Coral, FL; sister-in-law, Linnea Stanley of Wilmington, NC. Nieces and nephews include Jim, Lee and Mark Twentyman, Jane McDonald, Dave Andrews, Nancy Burgess, Tom and Doug Wright, JoAnne Felchner, and Julie and Eric Bechtel.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Coral Ridge.
Memorial donations may be made to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, FL, through the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, PO Box 61249, Ft. Myers, FL 33906 or online at dingdarlingsociety.org
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