Ruth Ann Clifton DeBoda, age 95, of Bear, Delaware passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Ruth was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware on January 10, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Elwood C. Clifton, Sr. and Florence Mae Williams Clifton. Also predeceased by her brothers Elwood C. Clifton Jr., Charles and Walter Clifton, sisters Helen Robinson and Alice Muehlburger. Survived by sisters Carol Martin and Barbara Hayden.

Her husband of 72 years, Andrew (Pat) DeBoda passed away in January 2024. She met Andrew (Pat) in 1948, and they were married in 1951. Ruth worked for Wilmington Trust Company for 25 years and retired in 1991.

Ruth was very independent. She continued hanging her laundry outside until she was 94 years old. An avid reader who enjoyed the discussions at the monthly book club meetings, while providing her perspective. She loved to shop especially looking for that perfect antique. Ruth and Pat loved dancing at the American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro. They spent over 40 years at Whitehouse Beach and Highview on the Indian River Bay. They eventually returned back to northern Delaware to be closer to their family.

She is survived by her children, P. Michael (Margaret) of Bear; Scott (Patricia) of Newark; her daughter: Leslie Lally (Edward) of Wilmington; grandchildren: Allison Smith, Patrick DeBoda, Zachary DeBoda, Michael DeBoda, Kelsey Palandrani and Kaitlyn Lally; great grandchildren: Braylond Smith, Addison Smith, Trip DeBoda, Scarlett DeBoda, Destiny DeBoda, Dominic DeBoda, Sebastian DeBoda, Luca Palandrani, Rowan Palandrani and Lena Palandrani.

A special thank you to the Harmony at Glasgow Staff for the kindness, loving care, and compassion so freely given to our mother, Ruth.

A committal service will be held on Friday February 13, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Beesonfuneralhome.com

302-453-1900