Ruth Irene Samuelson Greenawalt, born September 6, 1940, in Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family.

    Known for her radiant smile that lit up any room she entered, Ruth lived her life in a world that was unquestionably good. Her “rose-colored glasses” gave her a kind of cheerful certainty that made her world feel like a blend of The Truman Show and the bright optimism of Barbie Land. She wasn’t a planner; she trusted that God’s plan would unfold, and her beloved family would handle the rest.

    Ruth was raised in Fairfield and loved skating competitively with the Park City Roller Skating Club in her teenage years. She later raised her family in Trumbull. In the 1970s, on her family home’s backyard court, she was a fiercely competitive tennis player with both neighbors and friends, as well as at tournaments with Trumbull Racquet Club and around the region. Though largely self-taught, her unconventional shots and determination carried her far, including a trip to the national championships for women over 40 at Forest Hills.

    After the passing of her husband, Paul S. Greenawalt, in 1983, Ruth found a new passion that would shape the rest of her life. Quilting, which began as a hobby, quickly became a world of color, texture, and friendship. Her sewing room, overflowing with thousands of fabrics, astonished anyone who stepped inside. She delighted in making quilts, table runners, placemats, and napkins for everyone she loved, spreading her warmth into our homes, hearts and lives. 

    Ruth was also a lifelong spiritual seeker, curious about faith traditions from around the world and always eager to explore ideas about the divine and humanity’s place within it. Some of her greatest joys came from spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren, and “great grands”.

    In addition to her husband Paul, Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Gladys and Ivar Samuelson; and her brother, Richard Samuelson. She is survived by her sons Rich Greenawalt and his wife Sonya, and Andy Greenawalt and his wife Jennifer; her stepdaughters Jane Murphy and her husband Keith, and Laura DeGoursey and her husband Bob; as well as nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

    Ruth leaves behind a family wrapped in her quilts, warmed by her optimism, and reminded always to see the good in the world.

    Calling hours will be held at Lesko Funeral Home in Fairfield, Connecticut, on Tuesday, March 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following morning, Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Oak Lawn Cemetery. A celebration of Ruth’s life will follow nearby.

    In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ruth’s honor to her favorite causes, INADCure at https://give.inadcure.org or https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/tribute.html, she loved the Tigers.