Ruth Beach
Ruth Beach, a member of the Scribner Library staff died May 21, 2014, at home, surrounded
by her family.
Ruth was born August 25, 1938, in Corinth, N.Y., and joined the Skidmore community
in 1962, working in the business office on the old campus for a decade. In 1971, she
took a position as secretary to head librarian Alvin Skipsna, and remained in that
position when David Eyman became head librarian in 1984. Said David, “It became apparent
quickly that Ruth had more ability than the position demanded, and when the position
of head of circulation opened up, I managed to move her there. To say that she was
successful would be an understatement. Everybody loved her in that position.”
During this period Ruth developed throat cancer and underwent a laryngectomy. One
close Skidmore friend, Joyce Casertino of IT, recalled, “Ruth was told she would never
be able to work again. She not only returned to her job at Skidmore, but also to her
second job at the Saratoga harness track.” David said, “Ruth used a mechanical device
to speak. She came to me and asked what I wanted her to do. I suggested she continue
to work as long as she wanted to. As far as I was concerned, she was still the most
qualified person for the job. So she continued as head of circulation,” and held that
title until her retirement in June 1997.
Ruth’s survivors include her husband, John; son Robert and daughter-in-law Sandie
Brown, also a member of the Scribner Library staff; daughter Ruthie Brewer and stepdaughter
Tracy Piche; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition, two sisters,
a brother, and longtime Skidmore friends Joyce Casertino and Walter Marchewka and
their families are among Ruth’s survivors.
Private services were held May 27.