Ruth Peterson

Peterson—Ruth Peterson, 101, on January 31, 2026, peacefully, at her home in Pennswood Village, a Quaker retirement community in Newtown, Pa. Ruth was born on July 13, 1924, to Nellie Mumma Thomas and Samuel R. Thomas in Sheridan, Wyo. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1940. Ruth was the youngest of nine siblings. Her parents were homesteaders in Sheridan.

Ruth and her late husband, Charley Peterson (1920–2019), were both deeply rooted in the Abington, Pa. Friends community. Each had the profound experience of “coming home” upon first entering the quiet grace of and sitting upon the old wooden benches in Abington Meetinghouse.

Throughout her five decades at Abington Meeting, Ruth served faithfully on committees for religious education, adult class, overseers, nominating, outreach, and worship and ministry. She served as clerk of Abington Quarter and on the nominating committee for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM). Her service extended to Friends General Conference Central Committee and its Religious Education Committee, and she attended most summer FGC Gatherings. Ruth served as a PYM representative to Friends World Committee for Consultation, attending the 1994 Triennial at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, N.M.; and served on the Friends Journal Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2003.

Ruth loved children and taught First-day school, beginning a cherished tradition of giving children a special little box. She and Charley met with couples in clearness committees for marriage and in informal support groups. Although Charley’s peace and justice work may be more widely known, Ruth began her peace education work years earlier as a presenter of the Green Circle program (developed by Gladys Rollings of North Philadelphia) in diverse Philadelphia neighborhood schools during a time of heightened racial tensions.

Ruth and Charley welcomed many young families into their hearts, touching countless lives. People considered themselves part of the Ruth and Charley “family.” Ruth embodied the role of “greeter” and made it her mission to welcome all families, singles, gay and lesbian newcomers with a natural warmth and genuine care.

At Pennswood Village, where she was a resident for many years, Ruth was known for her enthusiasm for voter registration, watercolor painting, and organizing dances. She interviewed and introduced each new resident to the community, earning her the affectionate title of unofficial “mayor” of Pennswood Village.

Ruth and Charley were married for 75 years and loved to travel, square dance, sing love songs in harmony, tend their vegetable garden, and hold afternoon “business meetings” to discuss the day over a square of dark chocolate. Both considered themselves part of the Abington and Newtown Meeting communities.

Friends may remember Ruth for her many accomplishments, but most of all for how good she made others feel—through her warm hugs, her love of serendipity, and her inspiring question: “What’s important to you?”

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Charley, in 2019; and a son, David, in 2025.

She is survived by three children, Tom, Tim, and Georgia; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

There will be two memorial services: one at Pennswood Village (1382 Newtown-Langhorne Road, Newtown, Pa.) on May 29, 2026, 1 to 3:00 p.m.; and the other at Abington Meeting (520 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, Pa.) on May 30, 2026, 1 to 3:00 p.m., with a virtual option. See full details at Online-tribute.com/RuthPeterson.