Ruth M. Barry

RUTH (WILKERSON) BARRY, 95, Cincinnati, OH & Rockford, IL � Ruth passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Marjorie P. Lee Episcopal Retirement Community, where she had been a resident for eight years. Ruth was devoted to scouting and was a member of the Girl Scouts of America for over seventy years. She believed scouting was an important part of a girl�s development. Ruth experienced scouting from every angle. She began scouting at age 12, eventually becoming a troop leader and serving as a member of the Girl Scout�s Council Program Committee. As a committee member, she played an integral part in setting up the Council�s swimming program. Ruth loved to swim and taught beginners� classes for the Girl Scouts. At the time of her retirement, she was working in the office of the Girl Scouts in Rockford, IL. Ruth remained a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, even after her move to Cincinnati. Her family remembers her as an avid reader, always having a book in her hand. Late in life, Ruth discovered she had a talent for painting and watercolors. Survivors include daughters, Patricia Mitchell (Richard), Kathy McFalls (Patrick), Linda Flemming; grandchildren, Jennifer McFalls Braun and Kimberly McFalls Ridout, Margaret Mitchell, Elizabeth Flemming and Allen Flemming; great grandchildren Sean McFalls Braun and Delaney Braun, Griffin Ridout and Sabrina Ridout. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnold Barry. Ruth will be interred at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in the fall. Memorials may sent to the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, 2101 Auburn Street, Rockford IL 61103.