Ruth E. (Dalley) Riebsame

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Elizabeth Riebsame. She was called to her heavenly home in the early hours of April 8, 2025. Ruth was born in Waterbury, Vermont to Frank and Anna (Newell) Dalley on July 9, 1932, growing up in central Vermont with her brother Lloyd by her side.

Being an adventurous child who never sat still, in an age when those who were a little different were not understood, Ruth was sent to the Bradford Academy boarding school in Bradford, Vermont to finish her education. When she graduated, Ruth went on to work as a housekeeper at The Burlington Van Ness Hotel. She saved countless residents of the hotel where she alerted them of the fire, knocking on all of the doors to wake everyone.

When she was 19, in 1951, she married Bernard Aiken Jr. a well known boxer in the Vermont ring. Later in 1953, she embarked on yet another adventure, buying a bus ticket and moving to Chicago. Ruth continued her housekeeping career, but visited Vermont and her large family often.

Wanting to be with her daughter Robin, and her husband Bob and their 3 girls, she moved to Philadelphia in 1985. Once there, she started to rescue animals and care for them. Her favorite dog was Benji, a very loyal companion. Ruth also enjoyed caring for the residents at the local nursing home, where she not only took care of their needs, but also played Bingo with them.

Ruth married Tommy Riebsame in her later years.

Having been on many trips in her life, during these later years, Ruth traveled yet again to Vermont to be reunited with her 2 sons, Jerry and Butch Wells, and her daughter Susan Preola. At another family gathering in Philadelphia in 2018, she was reunited with her son, Patrick Hines.

Ruth lived a long, meaningful life. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing her drawings, recipes, letters, and so many memories with her children and grandchildren. Though her earthly road was not always easy, she looked forward to her eternal life with her heavenly Father.

Ruth was predeceased by her son in law, Bob Brecht, her son in law Russell Preola, and her Grandson, Tom Snyder. Ruth is survived by her sons Gerald L. Wells of Swanton, Vermont, Butch Wells (Rita) of Essex, Vermont, Ruben Whittemore of Winooski, Vermont, Patrick Hines of Chicago, and her daughters Susan Preola of Tom's River, New Jersey, and Robin of Philadelphia. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Steven, Jennifer, Anthony (Meredith), Bonnie (Michael), Kristina (Michael), Melissa (John), Sandy, Christina (Pete), Kathleen, and Mary Ellen, eighteen great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Services are private.

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