Ruth A. Nead

Ruth A. Nead (Helm), 88, of Garwood, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving children. Ruth was born in 1929 in East Orange, NJ and was the only daughter of Bertha and Frederick A. Helm. She had two older brothers, John and Frederick and one younger brother, Walter. Ruth was a lifelong resident of NJ and was a graduate of Clifford J. Scott High School in East Orange. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Richard W. Nead, and they moved to Garwood where they made their home and raised their family.
Ruth was employed as an executive secretary for most of her life until her retirement in 1995. In addition to working full-time, Ruth was active in the church community at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Garwood. She enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school and confirmation classes. She was especially proud to have served as the first female president of the church consistory. In her post retirement years, Ruth continued to support St. Paul's by working part-time as the church secretary.
Ruth and Richard were avid bowlers and she especially enjoyed her Tuesday nights "out with the girls," bowling in the women's league at Garwood Lanes. She was also active in the Garwood Women's Club, serving as their president and participating in the club's music department.
Family was always at the center of Ruth's life. She was loved by so many, especially her deceased husband Richard, her son Richard W. and his wife Cynthia, daughter Cheryl and her husband Mark, her youngest daughter, Alison and puppy Daisy. Above all, Ruth cherished her beloved grandchildren and treasured every moment she shared with them. Being "Nana" was Ruth's greatest joy and she will be greatly missed by Lindsay, Kyle, Lea, Robert and his wife Erika and great grandchildren, Samuel and Emma.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation and Life Celebration on Sunday, September 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gray Memorial Funeral Home in Cranford. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 17 at First Presbyterian Church of Cranford with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the music department of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford or to the Garwood First Aid Squad.