Ruth Roe Blizzard

Ruth Roe Blizzard passed peacefully on January 5, 2020 at the age of 89 in Gaithersburg, MD. She was born in 1930 to Pearle Rittenhouse Roe and Archie Roe of Centreville, MD. She is predeceased by her husband Louis George Blizzard and her daughter Carol Anne McCaughey. She is survived by two daughters, Susan B. Smith (Jim) of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Nancy B. Hopkins (Peter) of Laytonsville, MD. Ruth and Lou also had three grandchildren; Kevin Louis McCaughey (Ann), Brian Douglas McCaughey (Bonnie) and Audrey Grace Hopkins, as well as four great grandchildren; Abigail Eve McCaughey, Benjamin Louis McCaughey, Hannah Ruth McCaughey and Leah Hope McCaughey. Ruth is also survived by her older brother, Harry R. Roe of Lake Oswego, OR.

Ruth was a graduate and valedictorian of Centreville High School and Washington College where she majored in history, with a minor in Spanish. At Washington College she was president of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and graduated valedictorian once again.  She met Lou Blizzard when their Spanish professor asked her to tutor him as he returned from his WWII Pacific Theatre Navy tour. Following graduation, Ruth married Lou and moved to Seaford, Delaware where he began his DuPont career. They had two daughters, Susan and Carol before moving to Wilmington with DuPont where daughter Nancy was born. Ruth began an 18-year career teaching kindergarten and preschool at Delaware Preschool, shaping the minds and learning foundation of many children. As a mother, Ruth instilled confidence and independence in her daughters, encouraging them to pursue their education, and to enjoy skiing, water sports and other activities she herself had not mastered, never letting her fears or discomfort become obstacles. Ruth and Lou energetically shared their love of travel, exploration and golf with their grandchildren, with special emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and enjoying life on the water.

She was an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), avid hostess, and bridge player. Ruth was happiest when her home was full of party guests and relatives. She was a devoted and patient caregiver to several family relatives and eventually to Lou. After his death in 2014, she moved to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, MD to be near family.  Here she was able to watch her youngest granddaughter compete in swimming, pursue equestrian skills, and engage in elementary school science fairs, variety shows and grandparent school events. At Asbury, she became active in numerous bridge clubs and resident activities, making new and dear friends quickly and easily. She enjoyed introducing Asbury friends to her brood of grandchildren and great grandchildren when hosting large family gatherings in the dining room. Ruth will forever be remembered for her positivity, caring and lifelong passion for learning.

A graveside service and interment in Chesterfield Cemetery, Centreville, MD will be held at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Ruth’s name to Washington College, Office of Advancement, 300 Washington Ave., Chestertown, MD 21620 or Washington College on-line.