Ruthmary Shields

Obituary of Ruthmary Evans Shields

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Ruthmary Evans Shields died on May 1, 2003, form complications following a stroke in late March. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and friend, who was loved and admired by all who shared her life. She was happy, friendly, funny, warm and caring. She never met a stranger, and she touched the hearts of many. She was born January 28, 1931 in New York City, New York. She attended schools in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Valley Stream, Long Island. Many of her fondest memories were of her life as a child in the village of Valley Stream, she remained friendly with many of her schoolmates all her life. Ruthmary left Valley Stream in 1952 to marry William Shields, a career Air Force officer. The marriage was to last almost fifty-one years. She lived in many cities, making sixteen homes in twenty-nine years of Air Force life. At each base she lived, she participated in the many charitable and civic activities that are supported by the Air Force community. She became a valued mentor to young Air Force families, helping them with their personal adjustments to the strains of military service life. As an unofficial Air Force hostess, she entertained high-ranking visitors, including secretaries of state and foreign ministers. In later years, Ruthmary continued her charitable and civic work. She was a patient care volunteer for the Hospice of Northern Virginia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Children's Home Society of North Florida, and an active worker in the Republican Women's Club of Lodi. Among Ruthmary's favorite activities were listening to music and dancing. She loved the outdoors, gardening, and feeding her fish and wild birds. Her favorite animals were Boston Terriers, frogs and turtles, and they were favorite themes in her home decorations. She enjoyed travel, particularly her several road trips across the country with her husband and grandchildren. As an easterner, she was fascinated by the western mountains. She also enjoyed ocean cruising, trading off a touch of seasickness for the excitement of visits to exotic destinations. Ruthmary took great pleasure in entertaining friends at home, and became a legend among her circle of friends for these parties. Her last party, in the holiday season of 2002-2003, was rudely interrupted by an extended power outage. Undeterred, she brought out emergency lighting, and carried on as though nothing was amiss. Ruthmary is survived by her husband, William Shields; daughter Laurie Shields Kinsaul of Havana, Florida; son William Kelly Shields of Deerfield Beach, Florida; daughter Leslie Shields Hoen of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister Leslie Statzer of Mt. Zion, Illinois; brother Russell Evans of San Antonio, Texas; grandson Calvin Snead and granddaughter Kelly Snead, both of Havana, Florida. We all loved her and miss her, and cherished the memories of our life with her. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 31st, at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road in Lodi, California. Rev. Father Richard Matters, officiating. In lieu of flowers, Ruthmary may be honored by contributions to her favorite charity, The Valley Stream Central High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund (VSCHAA Sch. Fnd.), P.O. Box 642, Valley Stream, NY 11582-0642. Lodi Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.
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Ruthmary Shields

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Ruthmary Shields

1931 - 2003

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