Ruth (Rettenmeyer) Backus

WALLINGFORD - Ruth (Rettenmeyer) Backus, 93, died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Masonicare in Wallingford, Conn. Ruth was born Dec. 16, 1922 in Meriden, the daughter of Frederick and Gertrude (Mielke) Rettenmeyer. She was married to the late Warren P. Backus for 63 years.

She greatly enjoyed nature, cultural activities, and conversing with people. From childhood on, she spent time at the family cabin in the woods of western Connecticut, where she shared her knowledge and love of plants, trees, and birds with her children. Ruth lived with her family in South Meriden until moving with Warren to Masonicare in 2005.

She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Backus of Waltham, Mass., and June Griffiths and husband, Eldon, of Danielson, Conn.; her son, David, and wife Carolyn, of Framingham, Mass.; and granddaughters, Amy Griffiths, Kirstin Griffiths and husband, Warren Perez-Leijssius, Lauren Backus, and Allison Backus. She was predeceased by brothers, Paul and Carl Rettenmeyer; and stepmother, Anne Rettenmeyer.

There will be a memorial service at the Masonicare chapel on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Burial in Walnut Grove will be private. Donations in her name may be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation Quality-of-Life Fund, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.