Ruth Wallis

1922 - 2017

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Ruth Adele DeHaven Wallis, 94, passed away May 22, 2017 at Salemtowne retirement community in Winston-Salem, N.C. She was preceded in death by her husband, Severn (Sev) T. Wallis III, and sisters Dorothy DeHaven Terry and Virginia DeHaven Hayes.
Ruth was born June 6, 1922, in West Chester, Pa., to Henry and Florence DeHaven. Growing up in West Chester, she helped fill and deliver prescriptions around town as part of the family business, DeHaven's Drug Store, and spent social time around town with friends, one of whom included artist Andrew Wyeth.
She graduated from Oberlin College in 1943 and studied sociology at the University of Minnesota. Her career included social work and human resources, and while living in New York City, she worked for NBC and United Airlines. Ruth later moved to Wilmington, Del., taking a job at DuPont, where she met her husband of more than 60 years. They transferred to Chicago, where their daughters, Jennifer and Suzanne, were born.
She volunteered throughout her life at hospitals and retirement homes. She was a champion for her children, supporting their endeavors from lemonade stands to numerous sporting activities and humbly took a stand for women's rights leading and encouraging young women to be and do whatever they desired. She was a fighter for her beliefs and family and had a quick wit and saucy tongue. She always felt the need to do something productive, and her work ethic was apparent through her volunteerism, especially at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington and Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital in Chestertown.
Ruth enjoyed crafts like sewing, knitting, quilting and decoupage; and skillfully made tailored suits and draperies. She loved to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad and loved music. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ and led aerobic dance classes for seniors at local retirement communities.
She is survived by daughters, Jennifer Wallis Hill (Norman) of Lewisville, N.C. and Suzanne Wallis Geyer (Bob) of St. Louis, Mo.; grandchildren Severn TW Johansson (Jackie) of Jacksonville, N.C., Will HW Johannsson of San Francisco, Calif., Mason T. Geyer (Megan) of St. Louis, Kaela C. Hannemann (Aaron) of Ankeny, Iowa and Louisa D. Geyer of St. Louis; great-grandchildren Jonah R. and Samuel M. Hannemann of Ankeny and Millicent E. Geyer of St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salemtowne Team Member Appreciation Fund and/or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center, whom the family thanks for their kindness and care.
Memorial service details are pending. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Kent County News.