Ruth Payton DeArment Adair, age 93, was born on April 16, 1927 in Picton, Ontario to then Captain and Mrs. William Herbert (Ivy) Payton. She was the third of nine children. Ruth was Promoted to Glory on Saturday, January 2, 2021 in Seminole, FL.
In her childhood, Ruth moved with her officer parents to several different cities in Canada, and ultimately relocated to the United States in 1932, where they were assigned to several different locations. Ruth graduated from Pontiac (MI) High School in 1944. She married Donald DeArment in 1947 and together they had three children, David, Randall and Jan. Ruth attended Wayne State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education - Music Concentration in 1955. Ruth was a vocal music teacher for many years in MI. She continued her college studies in Music and Counseling both in MI and FL. Ruth married second husband, Norman Adair, in 1976. They retired to St. Petersburg, FL in 1980. Together they traveled extensively with destinations including Canada, Alaska, and trips abroad to visit family and friends in Scotland and England.
Ruth was a very talented musician. Her grand piano was her life’s treasured possession. She taught piano lessons, could play songs upon request, and each Christmas would compose her own Christmas song - music and lyrics to share with family and friends. Ruth played the trombone, baritone, and the euphonium in The Salvation Army Band.
Ruth had many other talents and passions in life. She was an avid reader, developing an extensive knowledge on Bible prophecy. She was a talented sewer often creating costumes, pillows, and handmade books for her grandchildren. Ruth created the most special handcrafted Christmas gifts for family and friends.
Ruth was an active member at the Salvation Army St. Petersburg Corps. In addition to the band, she was very active in the Home League. She shared her knowledge on Bible prophecy, her crafting abilities and musical talents, often co-hosting special programs and services. She would work year-round creating crafts and sewing items for the annual Salvation Army Bazaar. Of special note, Ruth managed and grew the Herb and Ivy Payton Library created in memory of her parents. She spent endless hours purchasing materials, cataloguing items, and sharing the treasures of the library with the congregation.
Ruth Payton DeArment Adair was preceded in death by her parents, Brigadiers Herb and Ivy Payton; her husbands Donald DeArment and Norman Adair; her siblings Colonels Beulah (Joe) Craig, Orville (Betty) Payton, Donald Payton, Lt. Colonel Muriel Hull, and Elizabeth Budry; her sister-in-law Peggy Payton and sons-in-law Joe Siterlet and Ian Adair. She is survived by her loving family including her children David (Marie) DeArment, Randall (Nancy) DeArment, Jan (Richard) Rock, Lilian Siterlet and Norma (Joe) Berglin; siblings Eric Payton, David (Judy) Payton and Majors Evangeline (Paul) Howard; in-laws Lt. Colonel Larry Hull, Eunice Payton and Harold Budry; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at The Salvation Army St. Petersburg Citadel Corps on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. An additional service/interment will be held in MI at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to The Salvation Army, St. Petersburg Citadel Corps, 3800 9th Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.
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