BENSCOTER, Ruth Elizabeth

Ruth Elizabeth (Stoffel) Benscoter, 78, of Scottsdale, passed away February 1, 2004 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. Her passing was preceded by the death of her loving husband of 56 years, Don Benscoter, a mere thirteen days prior. Affectionately known as Tootsie to her friends and grandchildren, Ruth was born March 29, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and subsequently served as a first grade teacher in Lansing. Ruth moved to the Phoenix area with her husband and family in 1960. She was the mother of four sons, to whom she devoted her life, and was the stand-in mother for dozens more of their friends, many of whom knew her as "Abby" for her sound advice on navigating life's challenges. In spite of being surrounded by boys all her married life (a role she truly relished), Ruth never compromised her feminine grace. She embodied class, and was equally comfortable associating with heads of state or the most common of God's children. She was a talented card player, and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent playing bridge with her close friends. Together with her husband, Don, Ruth was very active with the Franciscan Renewal Center, and was one of the Valley's first female Eucharistic Ministers. An accomplished painter herself, Ruth also served as a docent with the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, instructing local area school children on fine arts. In addition, she was an active member of the Paradise Women's Republican Club. She is survived by her four sons, Tom, David, Jay, and Paul; daughters-in-law Chris, Wendy, Nancy, and Kathy; and her nine grandchildren, Jill, Ryan, Kevin, Laura, Stephen, Grant, Matthew, Annie, and Holly. Yet, in reality she is survived by the thousands whose lives she touched, who will miss her. A memorial mass celebrating the life of this remarkable woman was held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 East Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley. Arrangements were made by Messinger Mortuary on Indian School Road in Scottsdale. Contributions may be made to the Franciscan Renewal Center. Published in the Arizona Republic on 2/4/2004.