Ruth Walton née Pierce, 30th July 1940 – 1st April 2025
Former Junior School Teacher / Deputy Headmistress 1982-2000

Written by Ruth's family

Ruth was brought up in Winchester by her father and grandmother. She attended County High, the girls’ grammar school in Winchester (now Westgate School), before going on to Bromley, Kent, to complete her teacher training. Education ran in the family – her father was a master at Peter Symonds, then the boys’ grammar school.

Her teaching career began in Gillingham at an infants’ school, and it was during this time that she met Peter Walton at a local dance. Peter had just returned from military service in Hong Kong, and the pair were soon inseparable. They married on 8th September 1962, when Ruth was 22 and Peter 23, beginning a partnership of more than six decades. Together they raised two daughters, Sarah and Joanna.

In the late 1960s, the family returned to Winchester to be near Ruth’s grandmother. Once re-established, she resumed teaching infants at Nethercliffe School. In 1982, Ruth joined St Swithun’s Junior School, where she first taught infants before becoming deputy headmistress, a role she held with distinction until her retirement in 2000. She was admired by colleagues for her steady hand, her fairness, and her gift for building bridges between staff and leadership. For generations of pupils and teachers alike, she left an enduring mark.

Ruth’s retirement was enriched by the joys of family, friendship and creativity. She took great pleasure in her involvement with the Embroiderers’ Guild, the Women’s Institute, the Winchester Music Club Choir and her local book club, where her warmth, humour, and generous spirit were always evident. Those who knew her remember her love of Remembered With Affection Ruth enjoying a day by the sea flowers – fresh blooms graced the staffroom each week during her working years – her skill with a needle, her elegant style, her calm and reassuring presence, and her sparkling sense of humour.

Ruth was cherished as a colleague, a confidante and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Peter, her daughters Sarah and Joanna, her wider family and the many friends whose lives she enriched. ■

Published in the OGA Chain 2025.