Ruth Ellen Graves passed away peacefully in Bethesda, MD, on July 13, 2025, at the age of 99, with family by her side. Ruth was born in Washington, DC on November 19,1925 to Thomas and Emma Smith and lived in the Washington area her entire life. In 1948, Ruth married George William Graves, Jr., the love of her life and high school sweetheart. They were happily married for 39 years until George’s passing in 1987.
Ruth and George had five children: Barbara (deceased), Robert (Katherine), George (Barbara, deceased), Margaret (Joseph) and Elizabeth (Gary); 11 grandchildren: Rebecca, Jennifer, Christine, Patricia, Brian, Andrew, Emily, George, Mary, Sarah and Will; and 20 great grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her “Grandma Ruthie.”
Ruth attended Western High School and then George Washington University where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She remained an active, loyal member of the sorority enjoying the many friendships she made throughout her long life.
After graduation, Ruth went to work for the OSS (predecessor to the CIA). In 1948, Ruth married George and chose to be a full-time mother and homemaker to raise their five children in Bethesda. In 1968, Ruth became active at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda where she was involved with various ministries and activities.
Ruth had many interests during her life including her love and care for the family golden retrievers. Passerbys were treated to the results of her joy of gardening as displayed by the lovely flowers at her home in Kenwood Park. Ruth also loved playing Bridge with her many different groups of friends.
Above all, Ruth remained a loving and supportive mother, a doting grandmother and great grandmother until her dying day.
Ruth shared many blessings with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Along with her deep wisdom given so generously, she will be fondly remembered for hosting her wonderful Sunday family dinners; her delicious chocolate chip cookies and tasty BLT sandwiches.
Ruth lived the last 15 years of her life at Maplewood Park Place Retirement Home in Bethesda where she continued to enjoy friendships and numerous activities.
Our beloved matriarch, Ruth, will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Her generosity, wisdom and sense of humor will live on through her children and their families for generations.