Claire Ruth Buckle

October 27, 2018
Claire Ruth Buckle

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Claire Ruth Buckle (Bethel), 75, Williamsburg, VA, died on October 27, 2018 after a short illness. Claire was born on September 2, 1943 in Richmond, VA to Leonard and Irma Bethel. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1960 and the College of William & Mary with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1964.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David Buckle, her son, Christopher and his husband Michael Miller of Rancho Mirage, CA; her sister Carol Ball of Topeka, KS; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Mary Buckle of Charlotte, NC; three nieces, a nephew and four cats. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Peter A. Buckle.

Claire was a legal secretary in private law firms in Williamsburg until her retirement. She was an active member of the Williamsburg Baptist Church for 58 years, constant in her support of the music program. She was a generous supporter of many charities as evidenced by her impressive collection of tote bags and wildlife calendars. She was a devoted volunteer at the non-profit FISH, Inc. She was an avid reader and lover of all animals, especially cats. She enjoyed autumn family vacations to Chincoteague island during bird migration season. She practiced progressive politics and a faith of profound inclusiveness.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Williamsburg Baptist Church at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the Fehr Fund at Williamsburg Baptist Church, FISH, Inc., or the Heritage Humane Society.


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  • October 31, 2018
    Jane Monacell says:
    John and I were so sad to hear of Clair's passing. We knew Claire and Dave through Pat and Frank Richardson and had the privilege of sharing many happy gatherings with them at the Richardson river house and in Richmond. Claire was such a wonderful, gentle, kind lady and she will be so very missed. We need more people in the world like Claire. Our deepest sympathy to Dave and family. We hope knowing that others remember and are thinking of you all is some small comfort. With love, Jane and John Monacell

  • October 31, 2018
    Michael Vreeland and Jeff Davis lit a candle:
    Lit since October 31, 2018 at 10:35:11 PM

  • October 31, 2018
    Deanna Johnson says:
    Chris, your Mom was the most welcoming and kindest of people I've ever known. She always greeted everyone with a smile and sincere warmth. Am so honored to have visited with her and your Dad in what we know to be the happiest of homes in Williamsburg. Sending you, your Dad and your family the biggest of hugs and prayers for comfort.

  • November 01, 2018
    Tim Nixon and Kevin Moran says:
    Christopher, we were so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts go out to you and your dad. Your mother was a sweet, sweet woman, but she was also a person who demonstrated intelligence and conviction. It's been a while since we've seen her (or you for that matter), but we remember fondly all of those times in Chincoteague, Williamsburg, and Arlington.

  • November 03, 2018
    Barbara and Nan Eddins says:
    We were so sorry to hear of Claire's passing. She was such an important volunteer at FISH where we knew her, and told each other cat jokes and funny cat happenings in our respective homes. Claire was so thoroughly familiar with the operations of FISH, and so very organized in her quiet work there! We all relied on her knowledge and efficiency. She was a good Christian woman and lived her convections every day. She will be very missed. Please accept our sincere sympathies on her passing.