CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Obituaries

Ruth Binnicker Swann Eckerd

Mrs. Eckerd was preceded in death by her husband, Jack M. Eckerd. Together they founded Eckerd Youth Alternatives, a not-for-profit organization serving at-risk youth based in Clearwater, Fla.

Ruth was born in Tampa, Fla., in 1922, the daughter of banker Richard J. Binnicker and Lois Binnicker. She attended Florida State University, returned to Tampa following graduation and married James Terrell Swann Jr. The couple lived in Tampa and had three children, Kathy Swann Brooks, James Terrell Swann III and Terrell Swann Clark. Ruth Eckerd was an active member of the Junior League of Tampa and served on its board. She was crowned Tampa's Queen Gasparilla XXXIII in 1941, with Mr. Swann serving as king. She remained queen through World War II.

Following Mr. Swann's death in 1955, she married Jack M. Eckerd in 1957 and made a home for their family in Clearwater, Fla. She had two children with Mr. Eckerd, Nancy Eckerd Hart and Kennedy Richard Eckerd. The family included seven children, with two from Mr. Eckerd's previous marriage, Rosemary Lassiter and William Kennedy Eckerd. In 1980, the Eckerds built a summer home on Brushy Face Mountain and became involved with many community affairs in Highlands.

Much of Mrs. Eckerd's time was spent caring for others through various charitable activities. She was a volunteer in the Meals on Wheels program and spent time mentoring children with reading difficulties. Mrs. Eckerd served on the board of directors of the Eckerd Family Foundation and Eckerd Youth Alternatives. Her passion for helping children inspired all who worked with her. She also served on the boards of Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Morton Plant Mease Hospital Foundation.

Ruth Eckerd was a member of the congregation of Peace Memorial Church, Clearwater and Highlands Methodist Church, Highlands.

Mrs. Eckerd is survived by her seven children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation may consider the following Clearwater based organizations, Community Pride Child Care, Eckerd Youth Alternatives Scholarship Fund and Ruth Eckerd Hall Educational Fund.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. this Saturday at Highlands Methodist Church in Highlands.

Additional arrangements are pending. Those with inquiries may call (727) 4611524.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.mem.com.

Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bryant Funeral Home, Funeral Directors since 1928.

Published: 2006-07-21