Ruth Reardon – In Memoriam

We first met Ruth and Martin in 1976 when we came to Britain on leave from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and were introduced to AIF at Spode House where we participated in our first AIF conference.  They both, together with Father John Coventry, gave us much valuable help in dealing with the problems of being a two-church family and gave us great hope for the future.

We were always impressed with Ruth’s profound knowledge as a theologian and, at the same time, her amazing listening skills, her calmness, caring and concern for each individual with whom she was involved, together with her hope-filled vision of the future. She always left us feeling that, despite on-going difficulties, just a shade more confident that the churches are making small but important steps forward towards greater unity – particularly in the important area of interchurch families one day being able to be free and welcome to receive Christ together in the eucharist.

We were privileged to accompany Martin and Ruth to Zimbabwe in 1998 when they were delegates at the World Council of Churches and we were part of the team representing AIF.

Latterly, because we live near Turvey, we were frequently able to enjoy some delightful chats and discussions with Ruth in the little Eden of a garden which she and Martin had created at their lovely home in Turvey.

Ruth will be greatly missed, not only by her family to whom we send our deepest sympathy in their loss, but by her many friends worldwide and of course by the Association of Interchurch Families who owe her so much.    

Les and Elaine Leach