Ruth Duncan

Ruth M. Duncan, 92, of Brevard, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. A native of Chatham, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Raymond & Kitty Chegwidden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Donald Duncan, and her brother Ron Chegwidden.

An avid traveler along with her husband Don, they visited much of Europe, Africa, India, several sites in South America, China and even Antarctica, often with bird watching and art as their primary focus. She loved birding and enjoyed participating with the Transylvania County Bird Club. Along with birding, was her love for art and music. She studied art history at New Jersey College for Women (later called Douglass College) and was an accomplished painter, using both watercolor and acrylic mediums. An avid fan of music (particularly classical and 1940’s jazz), she relished attending concerts with her friends and family. She even played flute herself. She instilled this love for music in each of her children.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed the beauty of nature. As a child, summers were spent with her beloved cousins in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York or on a lake in New Jersey in a cabin built by her father. It was here that she met Don who worked there for a summer. She and Don took the family on many camping trips during which she shared her knowledge of wildflowers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

She loved her church family at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church, participating in a Circle, serving as a deacon and attending Sunday school as long as she was able. She also served her community by volunteering at Sharing House for many years.

While living at College Walk retirement community, she cultivated many deep friendships. In her later years, when ‘extra help’ was needed and when she lived at Tore’s Home, she befriended each of her caregivers, for whom the family is very grateful.

But her greatest joy and love was being a parent and grandparent, cherishing each of her four children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Grandkids could always count on savoring Nana’s famous chocolate chip cookies with each visit.

She is survived by Ken Duncan (Lois), Linda Shook (Harley), Laura Duncan (Ron Bullis) and Carol Spaulding (Brian), nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many wonderful friends.

There will be a memorial service in her honor at 100 PM on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church.

To leave a condolence for the friends and family of Ruth Duncan, visit “Tributes” at www.mooreblanchard.com. Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.