Ruth A. Ingerson

Ruth Alexander Ingerson passed away peacefully in her home at Londonderry on the Tred Avon in Easton, MD, on December 25, 2016. Ruth Alexander was born February 24, 1921, and grew up with seven siblings on the farm owned by their parents, Neil and Hattie Alexander, in Matthews, NC. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Queens College and qualifying as a registered nurse through the Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing, she served as a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. In 1946, she became a Frontier Nursing Service certified nurse midwife, often riding on horseback to provide healthcare to rural Kentucky families. In 1951, she earned her Master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College in New York, where she met Thomas Ingerson of East Providence, RI. They married in May 1952. While raising four children, Ruth worked as a pediatric nurse, volunteered for community programs including Head Start, and served as a Girl Scout troop leader. After Thomas retired, he and Ruth became founding members of the Londonderry retirement community. They took frequent trips around the Chesapeake Bay in their small sailboat and travelled both in the U.S. and internationally. They remained committed to the Easton community, volunteering for the Talbot County Library, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and Easton public schools.They were also active members of Easton Presbyterian Church. Throughout her life, Ruth had a strong affinity for children. A famous family photo shows her discussing sea shells with a circle of rapt young children while on her honeymoon at Sanibel Island, FL. Her quiet intelligence and determination will be greatly missed. Thomas Ingerson died in December 2008 at Talbot Hospice House in Easton. Ruth is survived by daughters, Alice E. Ingerson of Waban, MA, Ann L. Ingerson of Craftsbury Common, VT, and Helen G. Ingerson of San Ramon, CA; and son, Gordon T. Ingerson of Baltimore; four grandchildren, Ezra and Hannah Weller and Meagan and Sarah Ingerson; and her sister, Nancy Alexander Church, of North Wilkesboro, NC. At Ruth and Thomas Ingerson’s request, there will be a joint burial and graveside service at the North Burial Ground in Providence, RI. The family is planning a commemoration this spring at Londonderry. Anyone who would like to be notified of either event should contact Alice Ingerson at aeingerson@gmail.com.

Ruth A. Ingerson

February 24, 1921 - December 25, 2016