Ruth Ellen Moores D'Arcy

Ruth Ellen D'Arcy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 with her husband Paul at her side. Born on June 5, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ruth was the seventh and only surviving child of Charles Washington Moores, Sr. and Ella Arene Phelps. Her early life was marked by profound loss; she became an orphan at the tender age of 13 when both of her parents had passed away.

Despite the hardships of her childhood, Ruth excelled academically, attending public schools in Indianapolis and graduating from Shortridge High School, where she met her husband-to-be in a study hall. Her academic record was recognized when she received a Rector Scholarship to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. After completing her freshman year, she continued her education at California State University, Long Beach, where she earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition in 1980.

On August 28, 1954, Ruth married Paul Martin D'Arcy at Meridian Street Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Their union, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024, was a testament to love and partnership. Ruth often reflected on their early years, recalling how others said they were too young to marry at just nineteen. Together, they raised four children: Katherine Dawn D'Arcy, in Indianapolis, who now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Mary Elizabeth D'Arcy, in Indianapolis, who lives in Mariposa, California; and Mark Andrew D'Arcy, born in San Francisco, California, now based in San Rafael, California. Their first son tragically passed away on July 4, 1994. Ruth's legacy continues through her thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.

Throughout their married life, Ruth and Paul moved frequently, living in various cities across the United States, including Lexington, Massachusetts; Columbus, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; Whitehall, Pennsylvania; and San Anselmo, Palos Verdes, Palo Alto, and Mariposa, California. Ruth played a crucial role in supporting Paul's educational and career pursuits, encouraging him as he attended Harvard Business School and as he accepted new professional challenges. It was during their time in Palos Verdes that Ruth completed her degree, a goal she had long aspired to achieve.

She had a strong affinity for the visual arts and together with Paul collected some works from the California Light and Space movement while they lived in Southern California. The couple also assembled some Zen paintings and Buddhist calligraphy from the 15th and 16th centuries during their Asia travels.

Raised on a farm, Ruth had an enduring interest in food, from studying nutrition, and volunteering in the distribution of food to those in need, to becoming a master of pie crusts and some of the best meatloaf comfort food ever. For fun, while residing in a small town, she started a gourmet club with friends that met monthly for home-cooked dinners.

Ruth also loved sun and water, beginning from her teen years at the Riviera Swimming Club in Indianapolis to California and Hawaii beaches in midlife to aquarobics classes with seniors later. She encouraged her sons to swim competitively and play water polo, getting up early to take them to practice before school.

Ruth's familial roots traced back to the early colonial days of the United States. This heritage allowed her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, reflecting her deep appreciation for her ancestry. Her commitment to community and family was further demonstrated by her involvement in the Women's Health Initiative, a national study to improve health outcomes for postmenopausal women. Ruth was committed to this research which focused on the prevention of heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, motivated by a desire to promote wellness for her daughters and granddaughters.

Ruth's spiritual journey was equally significant. A devoted Christian with special reverence for Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, she initially practiced Christian Science before marrying Paul. At that point, she was baptized into the United Methodist Church. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, leading her to take on various roles within the church, including as a Sunday School teacher and as the first woman to chair the Pastor Parish Committee at Riviera United Methodist.

Pioneering a successful fund-raising campaign, she encouraged her church to give each parishioner $10 to use as "seed" money to multiply the amount, like the parable of the loaves and fishes. (Matthew 14:17-19). The press ran the story with a photo of the minister on a ladder receiving the increased returns from parishioners. When the couple moved to Santa Fe, they transitioned to the Episcopal Church, where Ruth continued her service by organizing the annual Women's Day events and church bazaars.

Ruth's compassion extended beyond her immediate family and church. She brought joy to orphaned children, often inviting them for meals and shopping trips. She worked closely with Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro, California to develop programs to raise awareness and funding for education, protection, and nurturing of the most vulnerable in that community. Her commitment to social service was evident in her efforts to organize food distribution for needy families in the Santa Fe area.

In her later years, Ruth maintained a prayer list, a testament to her unwavering dedication to supporting family, friends, and acquaintances through daily prayers. This practice reflected her deep-rooted belief in the power of community and spiritual connection.

In honoring Ruth's life, we remember her not only for the roles she fulfilled but also for the sharp insights she brought to her relationships and the thoughtfulness she extended to those around her. She will be missed but will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Ruth and Paul have expressed their wish to have their ashes interred together in the future at the Holy Faith Columbarium in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a memorial service to be held in celebration of their lives. The family asks instead of flowers that donations be made to Church of the Holy Faith, Women's Programs, 311 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501. ( www.holyfaithchurchsf.org )