Ruth T. Bates

Ruth T. Bates
May 18, 1933, to February 11, 2024
Ruth T. Bates, 90, of Dayville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 11th. Born in Putnam, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Tamy and Angela (Mila) Stilu.
Ruth grew up in the Manhasset Village section of Putnam, helping out at her father's store, Stilu's Market, which was eventually destroyed by the flood of 1955.
Ruth was a graduate of Putnam High School, class of 1951, where she was a cheerleader and basketball standout. She met her high school sweetheart, Bob, and they were married on July 1, 1951.
After raising her family and returning to the workforce, Ruth worked as a secretary at Putnam Grammar School. She later joined Rogers Corporation, where she was employed as a Marketing Coordinator for 21 years. While working at Rogers, she went on to earn her Associates Degree in Science at QVCC in 1982 and her BS in Business Administration from Nichols College in 1986.
After retiring, Ruth moved to Bonita Springs Florida, where she lived for over 20 years, returning to Connecticut in 2020 and taking up residence at Westview Commons in Dayville.
Ruth enjoyed reading, going for walks, shopping, her Maxine Calendars, and spending time with her family and friends both here and in Bonita Springs. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the love she shared with her family.
Ruth is survived by her sons Michael and his wife, Denise of Putnam, Marc (Skip) and his wife, Tori of Brooklyn, and Alan and his wife, Janet of Putnam. Her beloved grandchildren Jody, Jason, Brittany, Ryan, Glenn, Alissa, Eric, and sixteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Robert (Bob) Bates, and her brothers Triani Stilu and Demetri "Jim" Stilu.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at the Putnam Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Burial in West Thompson Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial donation may be made to the Putnam Congregational Church in Ruth's memory.
For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.