Ruth Dorothy Hill Byrn

Ruth Dorothy Hill Byrn, 100, died January 4, 2021 due to COVID-19. She lived in North Chesterfield, Virginia and formerly lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Delmont K. Byrn, her son Larry Lynn Byrn, and her daughter Betsy L. Byrn. She is survived by her daughter Beverly J. Martin (Richard) of North Chesterfield and her son Randal A. Byrn (Nancy Jones) of Kamuela, Hawaii. Additionally, she is survived by grandchildren Emily Bick (Travis Elborough), Nathan Bick (Ingrid), and Steven Byrn, and great-grandchildren Clara and Phoebe Bick.

Ruth was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on May 29, 1920. She graduated from South Dakota State College and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. During World War II, she worked as a county extension agent and then as a home economics teacher. Later Ruth retired from two careers, first as an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor and then as a real estate agent. Later in life she became an accomplished artist working primarily with acrylic paints.

Ruth was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor and was a strong supporter of education for women through the P.E.O. sisterhood.

Memorial donations may be made to P.E.O., Treasurer’s Dept., 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.