10/14/2025
🌟 Resident of the Month – October 🌟
We’re thrilled to celebrate our Golden Pond Resident of the Month, Ruth Beckett.
Born on October 9, 1924, in Coffeyville, Kansas, our Resident of the Month, Ruth Beckett, has lived a remarkable 101 years filled with wisdom, strength, and a drive to excel in everything she does. As the oldest of three children, Ruth learned early on the
value of hard work and perseverance, qualities that have guided her through every stage of life.
Ruth's childhood was shaped by love, loss, and learning. Her father passed away in a tragic accident when she was just nine years old, leaving her mother, a devoted schoolteacher, to raise Ruth and her siblings. From her mother, Ruth inherited her intelligence, independence, and appreciation for the simple, meaningful things in life.
Always eager to challenge herself, Ruth loved to excel in all she did, whether it was her studies, her hobbies, or her career. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and Rummy, games that perfectly suited her sharp mind. She still smiles when recalling how her grandfather once scolded her for playing cards, insisting they were "terrible." In her teenage years Ruth enjoyed playing board games, especially classics like crokinole and carrom, which brought friends together for hours of fun and laughter.
After completing business courses, Ruth began her career at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, where she worked for an impressive 28 years.
When she first started, Director J. Robert Oppenheimer, the famous physicist known for his role in the Manhattan Project, was on his way out, training the new director who would take his place.
Ruth's time there placed her at the heart of a fascinating period in American scientific history, and her professionalism and dedication left a lasting impression.
When asked about the secret to living 101 years, Ruth thoughtfully replied, "The simple,
uncomplicated life"
When asked what brings her joy now, she
smiled and said, “Day by day, and life in
general.”
Reflecting on the biggest changes she’s seen in
her lifetime, Ruth marveled, “From horse and
buggy to the space age.”
Ruth Beckett continues to inspire everyone
around her with her humor, warmth, and grace.
We are proud to honor her as our Resident of
the Month, a woman whose life reminds us to
stay curious, live simply, and find joy in each
and every day. 💕
