Ruth Devine Draper, lifelong learner
Ruth Devine Draper, 87, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at Seasons Hospice in Wilmington surrounded by her family. She was a native Delawarean and lived many years in Lewes and later in Dover.
Ruth was a dedicated Quaker well known for her zest for life. She was a supportive and loving Mom, Nana, Aunt and friend. Above all, she relished spending time encouraging her family and friends. She was an environmental, political, civil rights and antiwar activist. She was a proud member and supporter of Camden Friends Meeting, Delaware Ornithological Society, Delaware Wild Lands, the American Birding Association and Women's Advocate. She was a docent at the Zwaanendael Museum. She helped raise money for the Kalmar Nyckel, the Grand Opera House, and Bacchus Theater at the University of Delaware. She was an avid birder, tennis player and tennis fan. She loved to visit museums, read, talk politics and listen to music.
She was born on the last day of 1933 in Malden, Mass., to William Reed Draper and Ruth (Kelley) Draper. Ruth was a proud alumna of the Westtown School and The University of Delaware. She later earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. She worked as a guidance counselor at Middletown High School and was a lifelong learner, attending many Osher classes. She delighted in sharing the many things she learned.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Gerald I. Buckson, brother Tom Draper and son Will Buckson.
She is survived by her daughter Beth Buckson Valdes (Todd Denton) of West Chester, Pa.; grandchildren Andy of Philadelphia and Ana Valdes of Brooklyn, N.Y.; sister Diane McGuire; and many dear friends, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will celebrate Ruth's life from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E Lebanon Road, Dover. Vaccines preferred and masks strongly encouraged.
Donations to Delaware Wild Lands, the Delaware Ornithological Society and Planned Parenthood are appreciated.
Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.
