Ruth Janet (Smith) Edwards

Ruth J. (Smith) Edwards

Ruth Janet (Smith) Edwards was called back to God on October 25, 2023.  She was born in her family’s home in Beacon Falls, CT to Miller and Ruth (James) Smith on July 27, 1941 and later moved to Prospect, CT where she attended grade school and graduated from Crosby HS in Waterbury, CT. She then followed her dream of being a housewife and mother, marrying William L. Edwards, Sr. in 1960 and purchasing their first home in Prospect, CT. With William, she raised their three children and made many happy memories together. In 1992, Ruth and William moved to Bethany, CT where they resided until Ruth’s ultimate journey home.

Ruth was a devout patriot and although not active in her later years, was a proud Daughter of the American Revolution, Trumbull-Porter Chapter. She had a sharp wit and an uncanny ability to remember birth and death dates of long past relatives. She began researching her family’s history in 1981 and through her genealogy work, made friendships and connections all over the world, taught herself how to use a computer, and although shy by nature, striking up conversations with strangers in hopes of finding a clue to a long-forgotten cemetery on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Her genealogy work was meticulously documented and traces back over 14 generations.

Ruth was a life-long member of the Prospect Congregational Church, where she served on many committees and taught Sunday School. She was also a member of several Historical Societies throughout PA, NY and CT. She loved history, politics, birds, wildlife, flowers, seafood and NASCAR, and although quite good at it, she hated to cook. She was a patient and attentive listener, and freely offered her unconditional love and the occasional unsolicited opinion.

Besides her husband, William L Edwards, Sr, who held her hand for more than 63 years, she leaves three children, 9  grandchildren and one-great grandchild to be, all of whom she adored – her children William L Edwards Jr (Angela) of Jackson, NJ, Eric M Edwards Sr (Kristen) of Morris, CT and Debra J (Edwards) Colaci (Joseph) of Bethany, CT and her grandchildren Ashley (Edwards) Herbert (Christopher),  William Edwards III (Alli), Zachary Edwards, Bethany Edwards, Eric Edwards Jr, Joseph V Colaci, Elena (Colaci) Cirillo (Ryan), Lucas Colaci and Katherine Colaci. She also leaves many cherished extended family members both near and far.

To honor Ruth’s memory, donations to the Prospect Congregational Church or Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries would be appreciated. All services will be private.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Ruth’s family with the arrangements.  Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com to share your favorite memories, photos and words of comfort for Ruth and her family.

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