Ruth T Bedford

Ruth Thomas Bedford, daughter of Frederick T. and Lucie Thomas Bedford, died peacefully in her sleep on June 15, 2014, in her home in Greens Farms, Connecticut. Miss Bedford would have celebrated her 100th birthday on August 8, 2014. Miss Bedford led a very active and interesting life. She was a woman ahead of her time. Miss Bedford attended Foxcroft School in Virginia and upon graduation worked in social services. She served with the American Red Cross in the European theater during World War II. She had a great interest in the New York theater and worked for Rodgers and Hammerstein as a stage manager on several Broadway shows. Miss Bedford was a licensed sea plane pilot, an accomplished sailor, golfer, tennis player and horse woman. Upon returning to Connecticut Miss Bedford volunteered at the Norwalk Hospital for over fifty years. She made a difference in many people's lives by following her father's and grandfather's example in continuing to support many organizations and charities. The Town of Westport and the Norwalk Hospital as well as many other charities and individuals have been the beneficiary of her generosity. Her great love of animals is well known, particularly dogs and horses. Her race horses, ridden under the Nyala Farm name, won races at Belmont and Saratoga and other eastern tracks. Ruth Bedford will be gratefully remembered for loyalty to her family and friends. She made a difference in many people's lives. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Miss Bedford is survived by her niece, Cythlen Maddox, and nephews, James McCashin, Fred McCashin, Bruce McCashin, Briggs Cunningham, III, her cousin, Helen Watkins and several great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sisters, Lucie Bedford Cunningham Warren, Helen Bedford McCashin , Mary Bedford, her niece, Lucie Cunningham McKinney, and her nephew, John McCashin. At the request of Miss Bedford services will be private. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Aspetuck Land Trust, P.O. Box 444, Westport, CT 06881, Norwalk Hospital Foundation, 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856, or the Westport Weston Family Y, 59 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. To sign an online guest book, please visit www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com.