RUTH W. BECKMANN

November 17, 1930 - January 16, 2014

Ruth W. Beckmann, 83, of Green Pond, NJ, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2014, in Virginia while visiting her son and his family. She was born on November 17, 1930 in Paterson, NJ to Mary (nee Peterson) and Peter Wiarda. Ruth graduated from William Paterson University in 1953 where she earned her BS in Education, the first in her family to receive a college degree. She married Richard J.H. Beckmann in 1954 and together they raised their family in Elmwood Park, NJ and Green Pond, NJ. She served many years as a school teacher in Elmwood Park, Rockaway Twp., and Oakland, NJ. She then became an office manager for Green Pond Corporation where she assisted her community for over twenty years. Ruth is remembered by some as “Mrs. Green Pond”. She was a fixture of the community, always ready to help. With her positive attitude and a welcoming smile she touched the lives of almost every member of the community. Ruth also volunteered much of her time with the Green Pond First Aid Squad, and St. Simon the Apostle RC Church, Green Pond, NJ where she was a faithful parishioner. Ruth was predeceased by her brothers Peter and Martin Wiarda. She is survived by her beloved husband Richard of 59 years, her dear sons Richard Beckmann and his wife Marlene of Green Pond, NJ, and Ryan Beckmann and his wife Susan of Woodbridge,VA, her cherished grandchildren Erin and Allison Beckmann of Woodbridge,VA, and Christian, Joseph, and Marguerite Beckmann of Green Pond, NJ, her sister Karen Staudinger and her husband Joseph of Green Pond, NJ, and nieces Linda, Joanne, Nancy, Kristen, and Kimberly, and nephews Kenneth, Peter, Martin, Keith, and Wade. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 3pm to 7pm at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 LaRue Road, Newfoundland, NJ (GPS use the nearest cross street 1 Post Place). The funeral mass will take place on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 10am at St. Simon the Apostle RC Church, 1010 Green Pond Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435. The interment will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson, NJ. Memorial donations may be made in her name to: Green Pond First Aid Squad, PO Box 251, Newfoundland, NJ. 07435. On line condolences and directions: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com