Obituary of Ruth Mercer McCollum

Ruth Mercer McCollum, age 91, died March 6, 2006 of natural causes in Darien, CT. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Giles McCollum and by one sister, Margaret Mercer Stuart. Ruth was born June 4, 1914 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of the late Leroy and Elizabeth (Hendricker) Mercer. She graduated at the top of her class from North Central College in Naperville, IL in 1935. She then taught Latin for four years at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, IL until she married Giles on April 8, 1939. The custom of the times dictated that only unmarried ladies were allowed to teach, so Ruth retired from teaching to become a full time wife and mother. She is survived by her son, David McCollum of Rowayton, CT and her daughter, Barbara Watkins of Long Beach, CA; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, five sisters and one brother. While she lived the first half of her life in Illinois, she and Giles moved to Connecticut in 1962 and to Sarasota, FL in 1982. She returned to Darien in 1996. She had a sharp wit and an incredibly keen mind which kept the many generations of her family on their toes. She was an avid reader, preferring non-fiction. Because of the long span of her life, she had amazing stories of Scarlet Fever epidemics, 5 cent streetcar rides, victory gardens and war rationing cards. She has been the timeless heart of her family and has given all much to appreciate and emulate. Services and interment are private. The Edward Lawrence Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Those wishing to honor her memory can send donations to Post 53 Ambulance Service, P. O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820 Visitation: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820