Ruth E. Shapleigh

Ruth (Lloyd) Shapleigh, born October 19, 1928 in Fall River, MA was the daughter of late Capt. Darcy and Bertha Lloyd Sr.. She was the wife of Norman E. Shapleigh who predeceased her in 1999. They were married on August 11, 1950 at the Niantic Baptist Church, later moving to Old Lyme where they built their home and raised their four girls.

Ruth was employed at the Old Lyme Beauty Shop from the mid 60’s to the late 80’s. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star since 1947. She also was a member of the Old Lyme Grange since 1968. Ruth was involved as a Girl Scout leader and advisor in the Order of Rainbow for Girls with her oldest daughter Ruth Ann, and very involved as an advisor with the other daughters in the Old Lyme Grange, passing on her passion for community work to them. She took great pride in her family and particularly one event in 1992, when at age 63, she joined son-in-law Erik in school where they both received their GED together.

She is survived by her four daughters, Ruth Ann Shapleigh-Brown and husband Steve of Manchester, Karen Klockars and husband Erik of Niantic (which whom she lived with) , Diane Mathiason and Ken Miller of Old Lyme and Norma Shapleigh of Niantic. Also her grandson, Adam Mathiason and a great-granddaughter, Gia Hutchinson-Mathiason of New London.

Ruth was also predeceased by a brother, Darcy Lloyd, Jr. of Charleston, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to Masonicare in appreciation of their assistance with her care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11:00am in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, CT 06357. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00pm in the funeral home. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information.