Ruth Ann Betz

She was born on June 9, 1924, to Mary Frances and Peter Beagan in Brooklyn, NY. She was the youngest of five: Marie, Peter, Joe, Jack, Ruth. Her childhood was shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. When Ruth was only seven years old, her mother died in childbirth. Two of her brothers were killed in the war.

Ruth studied accounting at St. John’s University in Brooklyn. She attended a local college so she could be home with her father. Later she worked as a bookkeeper at banks in Manchester, NH and New Haven, CT. She enjoyed working and made friends everywhere she went.

Ruth married Bill Betz in 1946. They were married for 68 years. They shared a birthday. They had fun together playing tennis and golf, traveling, drinking martinis, eating cheese and crackers, and telling funny stories. Bill lived to the age of 90. He adored her.

Twelve years ago, Ruth moved to Porters Neck Village and proceeded to charm the whole community there. This last chapter was one of the happiest of her life. She made wonderful friends at Porters Neck and she felt loved and supported there. Heartfelt thanks to the helpers and neighbors who brightened her days.

Ruth was the matriarch of a large family. She and Bill had seven children: Susan, Mary, Peter, Catherine, Elisabeth, Margaret, and Jane. She had nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She liked to rent a big house on Wrightsville Beach and invite as much family as we could squeeze in.

Ruth reveled in her keen intellect. She was clever with both numbers and words. She was the boss of the bridge game. She had a deep appreciation for language and literature. Just a few years ago, before her vision wore out, she reread Beowulf, Gilgamesh, and The Odyssey.

Ruth’s Catholic faith was the pillar of her life, her comfort and strength from beginning to end. She went in peace. She was ready.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Rd., at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026.