Ruth Lea Stec

Born August 7th in Philadelphia, PA, Lea, as she was known to close family and friends, moved to Washington, DC in the late 40s. She then moved to Arlington, VA in 1953 where she remained in her family home. She is a graduate of W-L High School Class of 1955 and attended the College of William & Mary. Lea was retired from the Central Intelligence Association after 30 years of service. During her career, she was a pioneer in women’s leadership in the business world holding many officer roles and rising to serve as President in her local chapter of Business & Professional Women (BPW).

She is survived by her brother, Charles Stec, Arlington, VA, a niece Shayla Stec Rickard (Ronnie) of Middletown, VA, a great niece, Nancy Martin (Hunter) of West Virginia, and a great nephew and Godson, Edward Wharton (Chelsey) of Virginia. She is also survived by her great, great nephew.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles L. Stec and Ruth D. (Schanz) Stec and her sister-in-law, Nancy Marie Stec.

Visitation services will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Arlington, VA from 6pm - 8pm. A service of remembrance will take place at Murphy Funeral Home at 9:30am Arlington, VA on Friday, January 30, 2026 with the Minister Caitlin Culp from the Church of the Covenant.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Lea to Church of the Covent 2666 Military Road Arlington, VA 22207.

The service will be livestreamed. The link for the service is: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26015665667005