Mrs. Ruth Barfield

Ruth W. Barfield died peacefully in her sleep at home on April 2, 2016. Ruth was born in Archbald, PA on February 8th, 1911, the second of three children of Sarah Elnore Lewis and William Francis Wolcott. She lived in eastern Pennsylvania until 1929 when the family relocated to Asheville, North Carolina. Ruth adored her younger brother William F. Wolcott, Jr., and older sister Grace Kouns and had fond memories of their summers at their simple lakeside cabin in Pennsylvania. Ruth attended school in Asheville and completed her undergraduate and teachers certificate at UNC-Greensboro, formerly the Women's College. She taught elementary school before her marriage to Oscar "Jack" Barfield in 1938. After her daughter, Janet, was born, Ruth devoted her attentions to parenting and family. Ruth and Jack enjoyed golf and tennis and entertained frequently. Ruth was famous for her cooking and entertaining, hosting many family holiday meals and sharing her famous baked goods with friends, family and those in need. Later in life, after separating from Jack, Ruth traveled to Greece, Russia and Australia with friends, played golf at various clubs, took art classes, and managed her properties carefully. She lost her daughter to cancer in 1982, but continued to dote on her two grandchildren. She worked in real estate for more than 20 years at Beverly-Hanks & Associates, and was quite selective in how she spent her time, rarely letting dust settle beneath her feet. Ruth was described as an "energizer bunny" and led a simple but active life. Ruth lived independently during the final 40 years of her life only requiring help in her home during her final few years. Ruth recently celebrated her 105th birthday with family and was walking and alert until the last few months of her life. She was blessed with thoughtful caregivers who she appreciated, Michelle, Kelly, Amanda, Kalee, Brittany, Sandra, and others. She is survived by her grand-daughters, Ellen Stratton and Lisa Stratton (Peter Schuyler), two great-grandchildren (Dylan and Jaime Schuyler), one nephew (William Francis Wolcott III) and three nieces (Anne Wolcott Guillet, Nancy Kouns Worley, Susanna Kouns Howle) and their families. A graveside service in celebration of Ruth's life will be held on Wednesday, April 13th, at 11 AM at Lewis Memorial Park on Beaverdam Road. The family requests that those wishing to honor Ruth's memory make a donation to their favorite charity.

Tributes

Mrs. Ruth Barfield

April 2, 2016