Ruth Lyons Delbert

Ruth Lyons Delbert (1949–2026) Ruth Lyons Delbert, a woman of sharp intellect, fierce independence, and an adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, in Weeki Wachee, Florida, with her devoted husband, Bryan Delbert, by her side. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 18, 1949, to Thomas Desmond and Mary Ruth (Keogh) Lyons, Ruth set the tone for her life early on. Always a high achiever, she graduated from Dominican High School in 1967 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame in 1971. Throughout her life Ruth called many places home, building a community of lifelong friends at every stop along the way. Her journey took her from Milwaukee to the vibrant landscapes of San Francisco, Monterey, Long Beach, and Torrance, California; through the bustling city life of Chicago and Portland; and finally, down to Jacksonville and Weeki Wachee, Florida. Ruth was a trailblazer in the automotive industry. She built an impressive career that spanned the globe, working with Toyota-USA, Toyota-Japan, Victory Toyota in Monterey, and Southeast Toyota. Her expertise and dedication eventually led her to a highly successful tenure as a Senior Consultant in the industry. But to those who knew her, Ruth was far more than her resume. She was known for working hard, playing harder, and always remaining unapologetically herself. She was whip-smart, profoundly inquisitive, and deeply kind. A devoted fan of the Fighting Irish, she was also a woman bitten by the travel bug. Whether she was exploring the historic streets of Boston, soaking in the culture of New Orleans, or wandering the avenues of Paris, France, Ruth lived with a curiosity that never faded. And, of course, she was never one to turn down a glass of dry Chardonnay. Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Bryan Delbert; her sisters, Nancy and Chris; her brothers, Tom (Edward) and Michael; and her cherished nieces and nephew, Kate, Hannah, and Jay (Courtney). She also leaves behind her beloved cats, Newman and Flanner, who provided her with loving companionship. In keeping with Ruth’s wishes, her life will be celebrated privately by her family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to the American Diabetes Association.

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