Ruth Jeanne Heagle Nutt was born in Syracuse, New York to Ernest Leiff and Marion Cook Heagle on August 15, 1934. During the depression her family moved around the South while her father worked on TVA projects. The family settled in Glastonbury, Conn. in 1944. Ruth became a registered nurse through Syracuse General Hospital’s nursing program.

She married Roy Nutt on May 7, 1955, just a few months before her graduation. The couple moved to California in 1959 and, while Roy pioneered the computer software industry, she turned a fascination for decorative arts into a passion for collecting antiques. Items from her marvelous collection have been exhibited in museums throughout the country. Her American silver collection, encompassing different forms from the 17th – 20th centuries, can be viewed at the Seattle Art Museum.

Her love of books inspired generations to read. Her generous spirit and gentle soul will be missed greatly.

Ruth served on the board of trustees for Trinity College (Hartford, Conn), the Seattle Art Museum and several other museums and organizations. She was past president of the Antiquarian Society of California and the South Coast Antiquarian Society.

As a docent for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles she gave tours for most every hall – from dinosaurs to airplanes. She served on the executive committee for the Yale University Art Gallery and the Bruce Museum. She volunteered as a registered nurse, as a postmistress, as a science project judge and as a fundraiser for organizations such as the Switzer Center for Educational Therapy and the Assistance League of California. Roy died in 1990. Ruth lost her battle with Alzheimer’s on October 14, 2013 at her daughter’s home in Bellingham, Wash.

She leaves four children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren: Robert, Maria, William and Mara Nutt of Orcas, Wash.; Sarah and Charles Papageorge of Bellingham, Wash. Micah Nutt and Patricia Ferrell of Seattle, Wash.; Thomas, Karla and Abraham Nutt of Portland, Ore.; David, Kelly, Cynthia, Declan and Alice Papageorge of Lake in the Hills, Ill. and Roy, Kristina and Kallisti Jeffords-Papageorge also of Lake in the Hills, Ill. She is also survived by her three sisters and brother: Patricia Sias of Orange City, Fla.; Joyce and Bob Gordon of Glastonbury, Conn. and Ormond Beach, Fla.; Barbara Coleman Kelly of Virginia and John Heagle of Glastonbury, Conn.

A memorial service may take place at a much later date.

The family would like to thank hospice for their wonderful attention and Ruth’s caregivers from Home Attendant Care for their dedication to her comfort.

Donations may be made to the Seattle Art Museum, Hospice, Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.