Ruth D.
Morris-McClements, 80
Ruth D. Morris-McClements peacefully passed away in her home on August 26, 2021, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born in Baltimore County, Md. to Albert and Elizabeth Dvorak and grew up on a small farm where she lived with her big brother Bob. She graduated from Kenwood High School with the school's highest academic honor, The Gold K. Ruth went on to attend Towson State College and graduated with a BS in Kindergarten Primary Education, nabbing herself a husband along the way, Paul T. Morris.
Ruth began teaching in Baltimore County until Paul was offered a two-year internship in Dover, Del. Ruth came reluctantly to Dover with baby Julia in hand on the promise of returning to Baltimore in two years. Following the two years, Ruth was here to stay and the Morris' bought a house and settled nicely into Dover life.
Ruth continued to teach in Dover for 9 ½ years until she became a working partner in Capitol Office Products. Shortly after becoming partners, they moved their business to Downtown Dover, where they became the center of business activity. Having achieved success in Dover, Ruth and her partner opened a number of satellite stores. They ran a bustling business, during which time Ruth spent many hours on the road visiting her various stores. Following 20 years of success, her partner chose to retire, and Ruth decided to give up the business and spend more time with her family.
But Ruth couldn't stay out of business. Having been in the educational field, Ruth opened a small store within Paul's business, selling educational supplies to parents and teachers. Along the way, Paul decided to buy a restaurant in Greensboro, Md. – the old Greensboro Hotel. He gave Ruth carte blanche in designing the interior hotel, restaurant, and menu. The restaurant was a huge success when it opened. Following a successful run and Paul's death in 2007, Ruth closed and eventually sold the hotel.
Ruth and Jim McClements met in October 2008 while attending a friend's funeral. Ruth and Jim began seeing each other regularly, enjoying each other's company, and getting to know one another. Ruth took a particular interest in Jim's Garden. They finally decided to share one home and married at Prestwick Court on June 18, 2011, and from then on lived a life of togetherness, dining, raising their pets, and enjoying their final years until Jim died on August 22, 2016. Ruth moved to Turnberry in 2019. Having worked hard, long, and travelled a lot on Maryland and Delaware's highways, Ruth finally settled down to a life of reading, lunches with wine, grandkids, and dinner with the girls.
Ruth was a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church, where she taught and led the Sunday School for 17 years and was also active with the Women's Group and on occasion chaired their annual Holly Fair. She was a member of the Dover Rotary club for many years, and a Paul Fleming Fellow.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Julia Moore of Townsend, Del.; granddaughter, Ridgely Moore of Chester, Va.; and grandson, Daniel Moore of Middletown, Del., who lovingly called her Ghie. She is also survived by her brother, Bob and his wife Fran, of Annapolis, Md., and their children Lisa and Grant (Amy) Dvorak. Other survivors include Jim's family, including Mary Jane, Jimmy, Nancy, Walter, and William and their families and a host of friends and extended family.
A public viewing will be held at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd., Dover, DE 19901 on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Interment will be privately held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Christ Episcopal Church at christchurchdover.org.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com