Ruth Leslie Bean

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Bean, Ruth Leslie Age 93, died peacefully May 23. Loving and beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Born February 17, 1921. Daughter of Frank P. Leslie and Ruth H. Leslie. Attended Northrop Collegiate School and Vassar College. Preceded in death by husband of 71 years, John B. Bean and daughter Molly Borgeson. Survived by sons John M. Bean (Babette) and James C. Bean (Catherine), daughters Robin Nelson, Connie Connors (Tim), and Bridget Bean, 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grand-children. Ruth took a genuine interest in people of all ages and made them feel immediately welcome and valued. Although she was quiet and sensitive by nature, her optimism, humor, friendliness, self-discipline, and "can-do" attitude earned her many friends and propelled her into leadership roles she never sought in nearly every endeavor she joined. While raising her family, she co-founded a children's hospital, led the merger of 3 private schools, and earned her pilot's license with multi-engine rating (piston and turboprop). In addition, she was an avid needle pointer, knitter, reader, letter writer, traveler, and sports fan. She also maintained a lively interest in friendships, current events, movies, the arts, and scientific and technological advances. Ruth considered her family to be her most important work and joy. From oldest child to youngest great-grandchild, she loved and cared for each one. Her other involvements stemmed from a commitment to families and children: trustee and first woman to be elected Chairman of the Board of Northrop Collegiate School; co-founder, trustee and Chairman of Minneapolis Children's Hospital; trustee and Vice Chairman of The Minnesota Medical Foundation; director and Vice Chairman of The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates; trustee of Washburn Child Guidance Center, Hospice of Naples (now Avow), The Collier County Conservancy, The F. A. Bean Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, and the first woman board member of Lakewood Cemetery. Her generous spirit, loving heart, inquiring mind, and ready laugh will be remembered and sorely missed. "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Memorial service June 25, 10:00 a.m., Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Children's Hospitals and Clinics of MN, Blake School, Avow Hospice of Naples, FL, or donor's choice.

Published on June 8, 2014