In Memoriam: Ruth Turner Tyrol

Ruth Turner Tyrol, 98, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 11, 2023, at Mount Carmel Nursing Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Ruth and her late husband, Alden, were beloved directors of the Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon for thirty-one years.

Ruth Tyrol was the inaugural recipient of the Silver Lake Award, and was honored at the Fancy Camp Gala in November, 2017. 

"Ruth Tyrol (and Alden) held a legacy of welcome and transformation at Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center.  How they developed leaders, seeded faith, and created a foundation for so many people to be connected to community and to God.  I am grateful to God for their legacy ongoing, and the ways that I, and many others, are who we are as a result of their leadership," said The Rev. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives.

Ruth dedicated many years of her life to the United Church of Christ. She was a member over the years of the South Glastonbury Congregational Church, the Sharon UCC Church, and The Salisbury Congregational Church UCC. She also served in leadership roles on numerous local associations, state and national committees and organizations of the United Church of Christ. She was an avid UConn sports fan and a lifetime member of The American Camping Association.

Ruth will be sadly missed by many members of the Silver Lake Community and Deborah Home, whose loving support and friendship she treasured throughout her life.

She was born on Aug. 31, 1924, in Glastonbury, Connecticut, daughter of the late Leon and Louisa Killam Turner. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alden Bidwell Tyrol, and her brother Leon Turner.

She is survived by her son Don and his wife Marcia; granddaughter Anne and her sons Gavin and Cameron; grandson David, his wife Natalie, and children Jens and Katherine; and her niece Susan Turner.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at the Salisbury Congregational Church on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10:00 am.
It is requested that anyone attending in person please wear a mask. Masks will be available at the church.
The service will be live streamed. Access the livestream here.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ruth’s memory to Hospice, the Silver Lake Scholarship Fund, the Salisbury Congregational Church, or a charity of your choice.