Ruth Ann Fleck passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Bradenton, Florida. She was a devoted wife to John Fleck, husband of 62 years, who preceded her in death in 2016, and a loving mother to three children, John Jr., Mark, and Melissa. Ruth Ann was born in 1934 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, the oldest child of Rowland and Ruth Cresswell.
Ruth Ann graduated from California Community High School in 1951 and married John Fleck in 1955 after his return from service in Korea. Her bookkeeping skills were pivotal to managing the family businesses. A firm believer in the value of schooling, Ruth Ann worked hard to push her children and grandchildren to seek the highest level of education they could achieve.
Ruth Ann moved with her family to Bradenton in 1977, where they worked in realty and operated Piccolo’s Pizza & Deli. For many decades she has served as matriarch to the large Fleck family, including John Sr., John Jr., Mark, and Melissa, their spouses, Beth, Charlotte, and David, and her 11 grandchildren. Since 1989, her favorite role has been “Memaw” to Susan, Emma, Katie, Lexie, Carrie, Josh, Christina, Christopher, Zoe, Amanda, and Andy.
Ruth Ann was an avid reader and lover of the Lord, the Tampa Bay Lightning & Rays, and British television. She enjoyed nothing more than gathering with her family for shared fun and food.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the Manatee Education Foundation in lieu of flowers.
