Ruth M. Wright

Ruth Maybelle Pearce was born on October 8, 1933, in West Louisville, Kentucky, to Merrill D. Pearce and Lillie Sue Clay. She entered eternal life at the age of 92 on April 14, 2026, at her home in Falcon, Colorado, surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

Ruth grew up in a lively household with her siblings Sue (1926), Artes Ray (1929), Dennis Earl (1931), Thomas Glen (1932), and Charles Norman (1938). In her youth, she worked at a corner soda shop in Evansville, Indiana- a place that would change her life forever. It was there that a young Army veteran, Wesley Luther Wright, fresh from World War II, would stop in to play the pinball machine and sneak glances at the pretty girl behind the counter. Ruth remembered the way he jingled the silver dollars in his pocket; the beginning of a love story that would last a lifetime.

Their early connection was playful and unmistakable. Wes lingered at the counter, waiting for Ruth to scoop his ice cream cones- always pressing the ice cream down just a little so he’d get more- and she would stack sticks of gum into a neat pyramid, only for him to slide one out Jenga-style with a grin that never failed to make her smile. They married in 1951 and shared 54 devoted years before Wesley’s passing in 2005.

Ruth and Wesley moved to Colorado in the early years of their marriage, where Ruth built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. She worked for 29 years at Ampex in Colorado Springs and also worked at JCPenney. She taught Sunday School at Sunnyside Christian Church for many years, pouring her gentle spirit and steadfast faith into every lesson.

Ruth was never one to sit still. She gardened for hours, canned and cooked for her family, played mahjongg with her dear friend Charlotte Keeney, and later in life took up oil painting, cherishing every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite time of year- a season she filled with warmth, tradition, and the joy of gathering loved ones close. She had a rare gift for making people feel welcome, special, and deeply cared for. Ruth lived her life in service to others, guided by faith, kindness, and a quiet strength that never wavered.

Ruth is survived by her sons Gary Wayne (Linda) Wright of Calhan, CO; Bruce Lynn Wright of Calhan, CO; and Karl Trent Wright of Falcon, CO. She leaves behind a grandson- Jarred P. Wright, four granddaughters- Cyndee Taylor of La Mesa, CA; Amy (Brian) Sutton of Salida, CO; Cori Ruth Williams of Richmond, VA; and Katie (Adam) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO-as well as three great-granddaughters: Zoe, Audree, and Gracee, and five great-grandsons: Parker, Clay, Seth, Cade, and Eli, to whom she was lovingly known as “Gammer.” She also leaves behind many “adopted” grandchildren- Erica Gates, Donald Graham, Robert Graham, Kristina Martinez, Chelsea Mattson, Samantha & Sophie Graham, Bryton, John, & Hayden Graham- along with loving nephews, nieces, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Wesley; her son Eric Wright; her parents Merrill and Lillie; and all of her siblings: Sue, Artes Ray, Dennis Earl, Thomas Glen, and Charles Norman.

In her final years, Ruth faced the challenges of dementia with the same quiet strength that had carried her through life. Though the illness took its toll, her good days revealed the woman she had always been: giving, nurturing, eager to help, and always ready with a smile. She fought with courage until the very end.

Of all the blessings in Ruth’s life, the bond she shared with her son Karl was among the deepest. More than mother and son, they were best friends. His unwavering care made her last years not only possible, but truly filled with dignity, comfort, and love.

Ruth’s hands worked tirelessly throughout her life- in service, in creativity, and in care- and now they are at rest. Her legacy is woven into the lives she shaped, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely. The love she poured into her family continues to live on in every life she touched.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org, a cause close to Ruth’s heart.