Beatrix "Bea" Ruiter

RICHFORD - Beatrix F. Bea Ruiter, age 90, passed away Friday afternoon, March 11, 2011 at the St. Albans Health Care facility in St. Albans, VT.

She was born in Richford on November 1, 1920, the daughter of the late Leon Gibson and Florence (Holt) Gibson.

Bea was born and raised in Richford, and was a graduate of Richford High School. She married Hollis Ruiter on October 8, 1939 and they made their home in Richford where they raised their 5 children. Hollis passed away in 1966. Bea was a self taught taxidermist, and also worked as a dental assistant for William Towle DDS. She loved to paint, square dance, cross country ski, go biking and hiking, and spend summers at her camp on lake Carmi. Bea was a member of the Eastern Star Martha Washington Chapter #44. She served on the Richford school board, and was an active member of the Richford Methodist Church. At the age of 80, Bea married her second husband Olav Taffs, Olav passed away in 2003.

She is survived by her 5 children; Beverly Poissant of Longs, SC, Pamela Morrison and her husband Norman of Williamstown, Cheryl Leach and her husband Allen of Enosburg, Bruceton Ruiter of Deltona, FL, and Darry Ruiter and his wife Mary-Sue of Windsor Locks, CT, 10 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren, 7 Step-children and their families, and 1 niece and 2 nephews. Besides her parents, and husbands Bea was predeceased by a son in law; Maurice Moe Poissant, a daughter in law; Charleen Ruiter, and a grandson; Michael Ruiter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Richford Methodist Church, 86 River Street, Richford with Rev. Jon Bly officiating. Interment will be held at the Richford Center cemetery after the service. Beas family will receive family and friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the committal.

For those who wish, contributions in Beas memory may be made to the Richford Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 236, Richford, VT 05476