Ruth McLaughlin Heath

July 17, 1911 – January 5, 2003

Emily Dickinson’s poem “I dwell in possibility” was known as one of Ruth’s favorites. For many who witnessed with Ruth during anti-war rallies, peace vigils and related social justice causes over a forty-year span, Dickinson’s words also described Ruth’s passion for speaking truth, taking action and for her unwavering, upbeat commitment to using dialogue and public witness for the betterment of all.

Ruth McLaughlin Heath moved to Westport, Massachusetts in 1962 and was a longtime member of North Dartmouth Monthly Meeting. During the last decade of her life, when she was in her eighties, Ruth continued her activism on many fronts as a member of Westport Monthly Meeting. Those who had the opportunity to offer Ruth a ride to public forums, vigils or to meeting for worship were greeted first by her friendly smile and warm heart. She had a ready laugh and sense of humor, even laughing at herself sometimes. Ride sharing usually prompted Ruth to launch into conversation in which she sought out other points of view in the hope of spirited dialogue and debate. When discussing topics she felt passionate about, Ruth was never prone to shyness or retirement. If the destination was to a public forum, Ruth could be expected to first listen patiently, then rise, and in a voice that was both gracious and always to the point, speak her mind.

A tireless activist within the “jobs with peace” and “no nukes” initiatives of the late seventies and early eighties, she was also an outspoken opponent of the Pentagon’s “GWEN” towers being constructed across southeastern New England in the 1980’s. Bill Maddocks, an experienced social activist recalled:
“Working alongside Ruth put us in touch with not only Quakers, but with politicians, Unitarians and Catholics alike. Ruth knew the gravity of the peace and disarmament issues we faced and always seemed better read and more broadly knowledgeable than most of us. But during our many actions and meetings, I never heard Ruth utter an angry or vengeful word. Her message was the same as her presence, one of peace through dialogue, compassion for all human beings and oneness with the creator…”

A Friend, then new to Quakerism, recalled one of his earliest experiences of being eldered when Ruth took him aside at Quarterly Meeting saying, “I hope that you will soon find employment more befitting a Friend.”

Ruth loved her old farmhouse and the surrounding fields above the Westport River and wrote many poems about them. She enjoyed gardening and entertaining there, welcoming newcomers, youth organizations, garden clubs and environmental groups to explore and share her property.  Visitors of all ages and backgrounds experienced a sense of timeless calm and peacefulness while walking among the flowerbeds and along the old stonewalls that led down to the river. Many especially enjoyed taking a turn on Ruth’s old “barn swing” that was mounted from the rafters. Still others remember fondly sitting with Ruth over tea in her living room discussing the day’s events and where to take action next. Through her social witness and inquisitive, friendly manner, Ruth McLaughlin Heath lived life fully and inspired others of various faith traditions and backgrounds to speak their truth, believing that uplifting all of humankind was always a possibility.

Approved by Westport Monthly Meeting on the twentieth day of the third month, 2005.

Howard Baker-Smith
Clerk