Ruth Dietche Bockus, 97, of Windsor, CT and Chippewa Bay, NY, died at home in Windsor,
CT, April 21 st , 2023.
Ruth was born February 25 th , 1926, in Summit, NJ. She was a graduate of Summit High School,
and Pine Manor Junior College, Wellesley, MA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Van
C. Bockus II (1923-2005).
She was also proceeded in death by her brothers, John and Paul Dietche. At her passing, she was
survived by all of her children: Nancy Ray of San Antonio, TX; Katherine Van Waters of
Windsor, CT; Sarah Bockus of Janvrin’s Island, NS, Canada; and Van C. Bockus III of Magnolia,
TX (1956-2024); seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Ruth’s Story
After recovering from polio during her early years of motherhood, she had to develop sea legs,
since—from the time they married—she embraced Van’s love of boats. During Van’s retirement,
they had lived on Van’s dream—Ruby, a Whitby ketch, and then in a condominium on the Indian
River in Vero Beach, FL. After Van’s death, she moved back to CT—rarely interrupting her
annual migrations to The River and Three Ledges.
She gave herself fully to their adventures on the water and the land; but she was happiest when
she returned to homes on terra firma—which she loved to beautify. She had a blast decorating
the brand-new sailboat and puttering around every place that she lived. She even made a home in
their RV!
Ruth loved entertaining family and friends in Litchfield and Windsor, CT, Three Ledges, and on
the Ruby. Ruth relished a good conversation, and especially relished holding court when she
could be the center of attention. She really was a performer and an actress at heart. She was
charming and entertained us all—from her great grandchildren to the many friendships she
maintained with care. We were happy and grateful to be in her presence.
This account must acknowledge four of her other great pleasures: giving to a host of wildlife and
animal charities (including, notably, one that provides for retired donkeys); shopping of any kind
(groceries included); gardening (especially when it involved propagating plants); and feeding
and watching birds and chipmunks year-round (even shooing the occasional racoon and bear).
She was a card writer; and we all smile remembering the thoughtful messages she crafted on
Christmas, Valentine, Halloween, Birthday, and Easter cards—all thoughtfully selected because
they helped her to express her pleasure in the individual relationships that she developed during
her lifetime.
Immediate family will gather in June at Three Ledges to celebrate her life.