Ruth Bell Priest

Ruth Bell Priest
Ruth Bell Priest, 98, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Whitney Center, Hamden. Born February 20, 1928, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of Margaret Rumburger and Floyd Thomas Bell. On April 25, 1953, she married Donald "Bud" Priest, they shared a beautiful life together for 60 years.
After graduating from Bradford High School, she worked for the Bell Telephone Company in Pennsylvania. Ruth accompanied Bud to Fort Devens, MA where he served in the US Army and their first child was born. His career brought them to Orange, Connecticut where they raised their family and had many treasured friends. Ruth was devoted to her family, always there when you needed her. She loved cooking, baking, reading, gardening, tending to her orchids, boating and traveling the world with Bud. Ruth was a "die hard" UConn basketball fan. She hosted many gatherings and always made everyone feel welcome. She served on the Orange Visiting Nurses Association Board and was a parishioner of Holy Infant Church.
Ruth is survived by her beloved children, Pamela P. Irving (Dr. Jack), Donald M. Priest, Jr. (Nancy) and Amy E. Paier (Richard). Cherished grandmother of Brian Irving (Lindsay), Alison Irving Appleby, Griffin Paier, and Kelsey Paier; and her great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Holden, Jackson and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Honadle Metcalf (Bruce). She was predeceased by her loving daughter Susan Lynne Priest who passed in 2004, and her siblings Eleanor Murphy (late Walter), Clyde Bell (late Lois), and Richard Bell (Mary Ann). Her family wishes to thank Barbara Rhone and all those at Whitney Center who cared for Ruth over many years.
A celebration-of-life will be held at a future date. The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain MS Center, 8845 Wagner St., Westminster, CO 80031 (specify research") . www.northhavenfuneral.com