Ruth Achilles
ACHILLES, RUTH ALMA EVANS, 89, passed away at Winter Park Memorial Hospital on July 24, 2007, from complications following surgery for an intestinal blockage. She died peacefully with family at her side. In accordance with Ruth's wishes, her body was cremated and her ashes scattered at sea.
Born January 29, 1918, in Philadelphia, PA, Ruth was the daughter of the late Edward Ray and Myrtle Woodward
Evans. The family relocated to Hatfield, PA, when she was six years old.
In 1940, Ruth received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester State Teacher's College in West Chester, PA. She taught in various elementary schools in the Hatfield area for 25 years before retiring. Ruth later moved to Largo, FL, where she was persuaded to return to teaching. She taught an additional 20 years during which time she received the honor of "Teacher of the Year."
After the death of her mother in 1980, Ruth moved to Winter Park, FL, where she became the sole caregiver for her ailing father until his death in 1986.
Ruth married Kermit "Peter"
Achilles in 1997. They shared a spiritual path and lived by their faith in God. They were blessed with five joyous years together before Peter's death in 2002.
Ruth, a breast cancer survivor, believed in the healing power of God. She often shared personal experiences with breast cancer patients and others as a witness to God's miracles. She was an eternal optimist and was always there to offer words of encouragement and comfort to her family and friends. Ruth was a beautiful soul who was and always will be an inspiration to all who knew her.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Evans; a sister, Martha Sellers, and a nephew David Williams. She is survived by a sister, Dorothy Williams of Arcadia, CA; two nephews, Richard Sellers and his wife Mary Lou of Sunset Beach, NC, and James Sellers and his wife Retha of Poinciana, FL; three nieces, Bonnie Young and her husband Bill of Lansdale, PA, Susan Williams of Sonora, CA, and Linda Williams of Munroe Falls, OH; a cousin, Russell Tees and his wife Estelle of Clearwater, FL; her dear friend Kathryn Baker of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; several great-nieces and nephews; five step-children, several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many friends.
Ruth was an active and faithful member of the Orlando Prayer and Worship Center where a memorial fund has been set up in her name. If so desired, donations "In Memory of Ruth Alma Achilles" may be sent to OPWC, 4710 Adanson Street, Orlando, FL 32804.
1918 - 2007 (89 years)