Obituary: Ruth Schenk Buell, 98, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Ruth Schenk Buell of Branford passed away peacefully on July 12, 2021, at Branford Hills Health Care Center. Born on November 17, 1922, to her late parents Richard and Lena Schenk. Ruth grew up in Hamden with her late brother and sister, Richard Schenk and Helen Schenk Anderson.

Ruth met her husband of almost 60 years, John Buell, at a square dance and they were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven on May 31,1945. After honeymooning in Canada and Niagara Falls, they settled down in Branford.

After graduating from Hamden High School in 1941, she attended Secretarial School. Ruth worked at the New Haven Tobacco Company, the telephone company, MIF, and Marlin Fire Arms. She then worked at the Branford Board of Education for 20 years. She volunteered in many local organizations including as the treasurer for the Branford Festival.

Ruth and John loved to travel and took many trips including Italy, Germany, Canada, the New England states, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Virginia. Ruth’s hobbies included knitting, bridge games, gardening (especially roses), swimming, the Branford Women’s Club and she was a long-time member at Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford.

She is survived by her daughter Betsy (Charles) Pepe of Supply, NC, son John Buell of Guilford, CT; her grandchildren Anthony (Jennifer) Pepe of Putnam, CT, Carrie (Stephen) Gallant of Pomfret, CT, Jennifer Buell of Westfield, IN, Kristin (Michael) Assel of Aiken, SC, Theodore (Sarah Scheff) Pepe of Bellerica, MA, John Pepe of Supply, NC; her great grandchildren, Cassie and Olivia Gallant of Pomfret, CT and Madison, Sydney, Ella and Malia Assel of Aiken, SC and Isaac Assel of Guilford, CT; and her beloved nephews and their families. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and daughter-in-law, Sharon Buell.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the staff at Branford Hills Health Care Center for their care over the last 5 years. Ruth continued to be involved in bingo games, music, and gardening during her time there.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 12:30pm, with visitation prior to the service from 11:30am to 12:30pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford. Interment will be at the Center Cemetery in Branford following the service. A reception will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church following the interment.In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1109 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.