Ruth Louise (Maichle)Foster, age 66, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, in Milford, Delaware.
Born and raised in Delaware, Ruth built a remarkable career that reflected her resilience, work ethic, and steady determination to grow. She began as a cashier at Wawa, where her dedication quickly led to promotions into management roles. Her talents carried her to the corporate offices of Wawa, where she transitioned into accounting and ultimately retired from the company. She went on to serve as an accountant for a home builder, and later for the State of Delaware, where she concluded her professional journey before retiring for a second time.
Outside of her career, Ruth found joy in life's adventures including watching Wheel of Fortune, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, and games of Yahtzee with her life partner, Charles "Buzz" Flowers. Playing cards with her late mother, Mary, remained a treasured memory, and she continued her love of crafting through painting with friends. Her adventurous spirit thrived on the water, where she and Buzz enjoyed boating and days at the beach, as well as traveling with family and friends. Butterflies and their delicate beauty held a special place in her heart, reflected in the art she collected and shared. Above all, she cherished time with her loved ones - her son, his wife and children, her life partner and his family, and the many friends she considered extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Maichle of New Castle, Delaware; her sister, Mary Edwards; and her brother, James Maichle Jr.
She is survived by her devoted life partner, Charles "Buzz" Flowers; her son, Ryan Foster, and his wife, Jillian, along with their children, Adison, John, and Charlotte. She is also survived by Buzz' daughter, Jessica (Dawn) Simmons, and her children, Kayla, Alex, John John, and Lily, as well as her sister Ann and brother Ralph. She will be lovingly remembered by her wide circle of friends, including coworkers and dearest friends from the Trails End community, where she found a second home.
Services will be held at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home in Elsmere, Delaware on September 5, 2025, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm – a celebration of life will be held immediately after for friends and family at the Nur Shrine Center in New Castle, Delaware. Internment will be held for family at All-Saints cemetery on Tuesday September 9, 2025 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation (lmcancer.org).