WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ruth Elizabeth Blanchard, age 78, of Waterbury, shares the news of her unexpected passing on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Saint Mary’s Hospital. She was the widow of Lamarr Stinson.

Ruth was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on November 9, 1947, the beloved daughter of the late Roosevelt T. and Ruth S. (Sears) Blanchard. She was a vibrant and joyful spirit, known for her outgoing personality and infectious laughter. She often said, "I Love to Laugh," and her sense of humor lit up the lives of those around her. An avid lover of music, photography, and cooking—especially Italian. Her adventurous spirit took her on many travels, especially visiting her sibling in Savannah, Georgia. Family was everything to Ruth, she treasured the moments spent with her siblings, creating lasting memories.

Ruth’s professional journey included a range of roles that showed her strong work ethic and dedication to service. She worked as a mail sorter at the Post Office in Waterbury, served as an accountant for McDermott, and as a crossing guard, ensuring the safety of children in her community. Additionally, Ruth devoted time to volunteering with New Opportunities of Waterbury, Inc. (NOW) as a senior companion, impacting the lives of many through her kindness and compassion.

She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will forever live in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Left to cherish and honor her memory are her siblings; Charles W. Blanchard and his wife Ruth, Robert Blanchard and his wife Barbara, Rose Cody, Evan Blanchard and Elaine G. Blanchard and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husbands; John Ricketts and Lamarr Stinson and her siblings; Thurman Blanchard, Theodore Blanchard and Dorothy Glenn.

Funeral services for Ms. Blanchard will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl Street, Waterbury, CT 06704. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Ruth’s family on Friday morning from 9:00 until the service commences at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.