Ruth Diefenbach of Fort Myers, Florida and New York City, formerly of Rye, N.Y., died August 18, 2020 at the age of 86.
Born in New York City on August 31, 1933, she was the daughter of E. Harold and Althea Baldwin DeNoyelles. She attended Rye Country Day School, Rosemary Hall, Abbot Academy, and Mount Vernon College.
In 1953, she married Robert E. Diefenbach. Their 67-year marriage reflected their love, respect, and devotion to one another.
Mrs. Diefenbach dedicated herself to her husband, family, friends, and many community causes. In Fort Myers, she served as a trustee of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and with her husband Rob was a strong supporter of the Southwest Florida Symphony and the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
During her 60 years in Rye, she was a member and active volunteer of the Junior League, the Rye Garden Club, and the Garden Club of America. She chaired the Twig Organization and Westchester Cotillion, and served on the board of managers of United Hospital, The Osborn, and the Healthcare Chaplaincy.
She was loved and admired for her effusive spirit and ability to engage all with whom she had contact in lively conversation.
After raising her six children, she and her husband embarked on a life made rich by adventurous travel, cultural experiences, and sunsets at their beach house on North Captiva.
In addition to her husband, Ruth Diefenbach is survived by her children, Robert E. Jr., E. Michael (Michele), David (Nina), Eric (James Keith Brown), Margi Gray (Stuart), and Peter (Michael Caravetta); her twelve grandchildren, Robert E. III, Andrew (Shannon), Mark, Teddy, Colin (Veronica), Heather Call (Michael) Hilary, Anna, Rebecca, Paul, Taylor Gray, and Alexander Gray; and her three great-grandchildren, Braden Call, Caroline, and Levi. She was predeceased by her brother Edward DeNoyelles.
Services will be private.
Donations in Ruth Diefenbach’s memory may be made to Florida Arts, Inc., 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901
