Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Ruth C. French

Ruth French Obituary

RUTH C. FRENCH passed away on July 18, 2008 in her home with her family. Born December 14, 1910 in North Tarrytown, NY, Ruth was the eldest daughter to Archibald Eastwood Chace, MD and Ruth Lombard. She lived in Tarrytown, NY and Texarkana, AR before moving to southern California, where she majored in art and Music at Long Beach Junior College and UCLA. Just prior to World War II, she became the first female Production Planer for North American Aviation on the B-25 Mitchell bombers and P-51 Mustangs. After the war she moved to Greenwich, CT, where she lived for the next 40 years. She served as an assistant editor for Funk & Wagnall's; then an executive administrative assistant at American Cyanamid; and retired after 20 years as the assistant to the Administrator of The Greenwich Hospital. After retirement, Mrs. French moved to Chapel Hill, NC and was a member of Shared Living, before moving to her daughter's home in Browns Summit. Her retirement offered opportunities for painting, music, volunteering, traveling, and especially, enjoying her daughter and granddaughter. She was best known for facing challenges with grace, embodying old school lady likeness yet still unknowingly paving the way for women's rights, her stylish bent in art and clothing and her extensive travelShe was known for... being young and ahead in spite of her years (was surfing the web in her 90's); fantastic stories filled with the history of our country and family, her candor, humor and independence, always learning and taking classes, her love and devotion, and to all her granddaughter's friends, she was known as "Grammy". Her remarkable life was as filled as anyone could dream of and her absence will be felt forever. Surviving are her daughter Ann Lombard French Kelk of Browns Summit, granddaughter Elizabeth Chace Kelk of Charlotte, sisters Anita Chace Lippold of Fresno, CA and Margaret Chace Corbett of Dallas, TX, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. Memorials may be sent to Environmental Defense, 257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010, or an organization of your choice.

Published by GreenwichTime on Jul. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth French

15 Entries

Katie and Richard Brown

December 8, 2008

I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when day is done..

I'd like to leave an echo
Whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times, and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories I leave
Behind--when day is done.

What my friend of almost 50 yrs.
would want to say to us all.

David Deal

August 4, 2008

I only met grammy once but heard many fun tales from Liz. WOW what an incredible person. I know she will be missed and somehow I think we will see some of her in Liz.

Steve Bentley

August 2, 2008

I only met Grammy once, at Lyz's art show several years ago. But through the many stories Lyz tells of Grammy's accomplishments and adventures, I feel as if I knew her better than that one meeting allowed.

What a remarkable woman she was; and an inspriration for all of us - to take chances and to live life fully. Her's was a fire that burned strongly and brightly. And we can see it still.

Stephanie Fisher

July 26, 2008

For my Dear Aunt Ruth,
I can't say how much Aunt Ruth helped me. Even though I hadn't seen her for over 25 years! She did this through regular correspondance by E-Mail...right up until the weeks before her passing. I am so glad that I followed my instincts and went to see Aunt Ruth in May. I traveled from California just to see her and thank her for her friendship and love. We had such a wonderful visit. Aunt Ruth had a remarkable wit, as well as patience love and understanding. She was sympathetic and kind to me. Her friendship has been such a gift. She will be sorely missed by many people, not the least of which by me, her loving niece. I may be contacted through my website: www.fengshuistevie.com
Stephanie Lippold Fisher

Mike and Doug Cooke/Lester

July 26, 2008

What a pleasure and an inspiration it has been to have known Ruth. She was funny, engaging, gracious, and great company. We will miss her.

Susan Lill

July 26, 2008

I feel privileged to have met Grammy through Liz. Not only was her life prolific and terrific but she spawned a lively daughter and adventurous, special grand-daughter. There is no better legacy than that.

Gidget

July 25, 2008

Although I only had the pleasure of spending time with Grammy on a few occasions, her grace and charm were obvious immediately. Her love of her family and friends was even more obvious.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Ronda Reeves

July 25, 2008

Grammy was a remarkable woman that lived a full life that only few will ever have the chance.
I feel lucky to have witnessed the love and adoration that she and her granddaughter Lyz shared. It is not something seen in every family.

It was a great privilege to be in Grammy's presence on several occasions, and even though her physical presence will be missed most by her family, her story, love and fun that is "Grammy" will live on in our hearts forever. Peace & Love

Lisa

July 25, 2008

What a pleasure it is to have had Grammy in my life. Although I only had a few years with her, I will miss her greatly. She overcame so many obstacles to become the graceful, beautiful, dignified woman she was. Her accomplishments are quite an inspiration to many women. Grammy always treated me like family. Although I will miss her beautiful smile and playful laugh, I can continue to appreciate her contribution to life through Ann and Lyz.

Lynn Archbold

July 25, 2008

At the tender age of 90 Grammy was the youngest person I knew. Her birthday request to go on a glider ride was granted and the joy was evident on her face. Her enthusiasm for life did not change much in the next 7 years, unfortunately her body couldn't keep up with her spirit. She will be sorely missed, but her memory will be kept alive by those of us fortunate enough to have known her.
I love you Grammy and thank you for the rainbow.

Beverly Penninger

July 24, 2008

Knowing Lyz and the joy in which she walks through life, there is no doubt she is who she is in large part because of Grammy. Alyson and I send our love and pray the heaviness of your grief in is lessened by the wonderful memories you shared with an amazing woman.

Earleen Hicks

July 24, 2008

What an amazing lady and what a wonderful life she led. It would have been a real pleasure to meet her. May your memories be as precious as your Grammie.

Irene Santoscoy

July 24, 2008

When Lyz would talk about her "Grammy" her face would light up. I am only sorry I never had the opportunity to meet her. I know she will missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Heidi Dove

July 22, 2008

What an amazing life she led. What a glorious contribution she was to this world and to those who knew her. I pray her memories will linger long to bring you comfort not sorrow.

Laura DiBella

July 22, 2008

Patty, Meg, Kathleen and all of Aunt Ruthie's family, my deepest condolences on your loss. I have always enjoyed the stories Patty would tell of Aunt Ruthie. My heart goes out to you all.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results