Mrs. Ruth Taylor Phelps of Andover, Connecticut passed away peacefully June 16, 2016 surrounded by her loving husband John, her six children and family members. Ruth was born to her parents, Walter and Isabel Taylor, June 27, 1921 in Newport News, Virginia and raised in Willimantic, Connecticut. She attended Windham High School and Willimantic State Teachers College, which is now Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU). She married John Phelps in 1941 and resided 75 years with him in Andover. Ruth returned to ECSU for her Master of Education degree after her sixth child entered elementary school and spent 19 years introducing kindergartners to the joy of learning at Andover Elementary School. In retirement she greatly enjoyed conversations with former students and co-workers. Ruth was an accomplished pianist who won a piano competition at age 16. She later taught piano from her home, accompanied local musicians and rehearsed with members of the Hartford Symphony. The many evenings she spent practicing at home created strong memories for all of her children. In addition to the piano, her interests included traveling the US and abroad, visiting family members, summer vacations on Cape Cod, gardening and reading. She was also active with the Andover Public Library, including chairing its Board of Trustees. She was pre-deceased by her parents and both of her sisters: Marilyn Taylor Hevern and Jean Taylor Fittabile. Ruth is survived by her husband John and their six children: Sandra Czuchry and her husband Andrew of Gray, TN; Roger Phelps and his wife Cheri, of Tucson AZ; Charlotte Wright and her husband Jonathan of Concord MA; David Phelps and his wife Sara of Merrimack NH; Jonathan Phelps and his wife Genina of Easton, MA; and Deborah Pettinelli and her husband Darryl of Scituate, MA. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT. A Funeral Service will take place Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter?s Episcopal Church, 30 Church Street, Hebron, CT, followed by a committal service. A reception will follow in the church?s Phelps Hall. Memorial gifts may be given, In Memory of Ruth, to the Andover Friends of the Library, 355 Route 6, P.O. Box 117, Andover, CT 06232-0117.?Charitable donations may be made to:Andover Friends of the Library355 Route 6, P.O. Box 117, Andover CT 06232-0117Tel: 1-860-742-7428Web:
http://andoverconnecticut.org/about-andover/public-library/