Ruth Hottinger Beck

Ruth Hottinger Beck, 92, of Cromwell CT, died Tuesday July 2, 2015. She was a devoted daughter of Henry and Rose Hottinger; a loving wife of Dr. Roger Seaton Beck for 68 years; the cherished mother of Christopher Beck and Holly Clark, who with her husband Joe, lives in Rocky Hill, CT; and was a loving grandmother of Bryan and Andrew Clark. Her son Christopher predeceased her in 2012, her husband Roger predeceased her in 2013 and her brother Ralph predeceased her in 1997. She is survived by her brother-in-law Richard Beck of Fort Pierce, FL and her sister-in-law Edith Stockton of Blacksburg, VA. Roger & Ruth lived in Wethersfield for 53 years before moving to Covenant Village in Cromwell five years ago. Ruth was born in West Hoboken, New Jersey on February 12th, 1923, and grew up in Succasunna, New Jersey. She attended secretarial school for one year and worked as a secretary at an engine manufacturer during WWII. With Roger home from the war she worked as the secretary for the President of the College of Wooster and a secretary at the Board of Education in Philadelphia, supporting them during Roger’s medical schooling. She came to Hartford in 1950 when Roger joined Hartford Hospital as an intern. He subsequently completed his residency in general surgery and stayed with Hartford Hospital his entire career, advancing to President of the Medical Staff. Ruth was a Hartford Hospital Corporator. Ruth became a homemaker, raising Chris and Holly in Wethersfield. Roger and Ruth were very active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, with Chris achieving the rank of Eagle. Throughout their lives Ruth and Roger served in many roles at their church. First in the Presbyterian tradition and later in the Congregational tradition, when they became members of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, CT. Ruth loved to travel throughout her life; there were many memorable adventures with the family. Holly would like to thank all the Pilgrim Manor staff and caregivers at Covenant Village of Cromwell. Memorial donations may be sent to Hartford Hospital Fund Development, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday July 10th at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT, with Rev. Thomas Walsh officiating. A reception will follow in the Wells Fellowship Area. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The James T Pratt Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com.