Ruth Linnea Matthews (Benson)

Ruth Linnea (Benson) Matthews, of Wethersfield, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 1, 2011 at her home with her caring daughter by her side. Infinitely precious and kind-hearted, “Ruthie” loved her family, friends and faith for over 90 years. Gentle and caring, Ruth will be remembered and treasured always by her devoted daughter, Linda-marie Chamberlain of East Hartford, doting son-in-law David A. Chamberlain and cherished grandson David Joseph Chamberlain and Monika Szarejko. Ruth’s loving and close sister Alice Hayes of Newport VT will miss her greatly. Her granddaughter’s Kristen (Scott) Stryker, Kelli (Joseph) Tosone, Lisa (Patrick) Belanger, Kelly (Clayton) Gendraeu and great grandchildren Gabriella, Sophia, Jason, Lila, Alec, Tom, Ben and 4-legged grandson Emmett brought her great joy. “Auntie Ruth”, enjoyed family gatherings, traveling and telephone conversations with Barbara Miranda, Maureen & Eddie Benson, Esther & Renee Tomkinson, Charlotte Hoyt, Kaykay Fischer, Helen Madden, Maureen Sadler and Pam Matthews. Estelle Knurek would keep her laughing and guardian angel Toni DeMaio was her everyday visitor. Numerous nieces and nephews, people at First Church Village, AARP and Trinity Parish were an integral part of her friendship connections.

A 1940 graduate of Hall High School, Ruth attended Hilliard College and was a skilled bookkeeper. She nourished and sustained her life by being an active and dedicated member within the Wethersfield community. President, Secretary and Treasurer of AARP, served on the Friends of VNA and Wethersfield Library Boards, and volunteered many hours with the Social Services Dept. She especially enjoyed organizing trips, writing newsletters, coordinating luncheons, advocating for senior services, sending notes of cheer, socializing and having fun. Ruth, an avid reader, best gravy maker ever, word puzzle solver, singer, dancer, a fan of “Law & Order” and “CSI”, loved to laugh and lived life to its fullest. A “tough Swede”, she sadly left her beloved daughter and family to be with her son Joseph, parents Oscar and Frieda Benson, siblings; Marie, Edith and Einard and her forever special friends Lois Matthews, Hope Tauro and Terry Hatfield.

Ruth’s family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday (August 10th) from 4-7 pm at D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be on Saturday (September 17th) at 1 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield with the Rev. Scott Lee officiating. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ruth can be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 300 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or the InterCommunity Health (in memory of her son, Joseph Matthews), 281 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118, or to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com .