Betty died on July 5, 2016 after a long illness. Long-time Resident of Princeton NJ and later Little Compton, RI, Betty was born September 2, 1927 on Fishers Island, NY and was raised in Baltimore. The last surviving of 5 siblings, she was the daughter of the late Mary and Walter Ruth. Betty graduated from the Roland Park Country School and attended Sweet Briar College, later graduating from The New School for Social Research in New York City.
Throughout her life, Betty gave her time and resources to numerous organizations including The Junior League, American Field Service, U.S. China People's Friendship Association, her churches, clubs, educational, environmental and community organizations. Friends and family remember her for her warmth, enthusiasm, compassion and humor. Betty was an intrepid swimmer and an avid tennis player. She was a summer resident at Salter's point, South Dartmouth from 1953-1985 and a member of the Acoaxet Club and the Elephant Rock Beach Club, both in Westport.
She was married to John P. Cleaver for 52 years until his death in 1998 and is survived by their children, Susan D. Cleaver of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Mary R. Cleaver of Brooklyn and John Chester Cleaver of New York City, 3 grand-daughters, Emma Hollister, Mina Vahedi and Suzanne Hollister, nieces, nephews and close cousins. She also leaves a devoted caregiver and companion, Karen Carroll, of Little Compton.
Donations in Betty's memory will be gratefully received at the Lloyd Center for the Environment, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA O2748 lloydcenter.org.
A memorial service will be held on August 19th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Congregational Church, The Commons, Little Compton, RI.