Remembering Ruth Peterson
Ruth Peterson
July 13, 1924 - January 31, 2026
Ruth Peterson, a beloved friend of Newtown Friends Meeting, died peacefully on the morning of January 31st, at 101 and 1/2 years of age in her home at Pennswood Village.
Some may remember Ruth as a natural “Greeter” - so warm and inviting to new people. Her warmth extended into her enthusiasm for Friendly 8’s, for meaningful conversation and for bringing a potluck dish to share.
Some may remember her as a vibrant elder with a twinkle in her smile, committed to inspiring others to vote. Others may remember Ruth for embodying the practice of Quakerism, grounded in practical wisdom.
She was married to her sweetheart Charley for 75 years. They loved to travel, square dance, sing love songs in harmony, tend their vegetable garden, and have their afternoon “business meetings” to discuss the day over a square of dark chocolate.
Although Charley’s peace and justice activities may be widely known, Ruth began her peace education work years before Charley as a presenter of a program in public schools called Green Circle (developed by Gladys Rollings from North Philadelphia). Ruth, as a white suburban mother, presented widely in diverse Philadelphia neighborhood grade schools when race relations and tensions were high.
Mother of Tom, Tim, David, and Georgia, Grandmother to Eric, Great-Grandmother to 5-year-old Charley. Ruth herself was the youngest of nine siblings and daughter of homesteaders in north-central Wyoming (Sheridan).
Many will remember her by how good she made “us” feel: her warm hugs, her love of serendipity, and her inspiring question, “What’s important to you?”
In lieu of flowers: consider a donation to Mercer Street Friends and/or to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
A memorial service at Newtown Meeting will be planned and announced for a springtime date.