Ruth Marie Witter

Born in 1935 to Matthew and Rosa Letich in East St. Louis, Illinois. Ruth attended the University of Florida, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In 1957, she married Allen Taliaferro Witter of Staten Island, New York, beginning a 65-year marriage filled with love, family, and adventure.

Ruth spent most of her life on Manasota Key, where she developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. She was passionate about protecting wildlife and was a dedicated volunteer on annual sea turtle walks, helping safeguard nesting sea turtles and ensuring that countless hatchlings made their way safely to the sea.

A gifted, creative, and prolific watercolor artist, Ruth found endless inspiration in the world around her. She leaves behind hundreds of paintings celebrating the wildlife, birds, native plants, and landscapes she loved so dearly. Her artwork will continue to remind family and friends of her remarkable talent and her enduring appreciation for nature.

Ruth is survived by her children: Robert Witter and his wife, Rebecca; Reynolds Riley and her husband, Randy; and Wendy Davis. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen Taliaferro Witter, and by her son-in-law, Larry Davis of New Orleans, husband of her daughter Wendy.

She was the proud grandmother of Matt Perser; Alex Witter; Sara Davis and her husband, Victor Omogola; and Max Witter and his wife, Olivia.

Ruth will be remembered for her grace, creativity, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for all of Earth’s creatures. Her legacy lives on through her family, her artwork, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.