WALLINGFORD - Ruth B. Brosnan, 89, of Wallingford, beloved wife of the late Charles A. Brosnan, departed this life on Wednesday, February 16th at the Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on January 23, 1922 in Wallingford, daughter of the late Raymond and Thelma (Parker) Backes. She was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School class of 1939 and later attended Stone Academy in New Haven studying secretarial. She and Charles wed on September 13, 1944. In her spare time Ruth was an avid gardener and animal lover. She spent most of her life as a loving homemaker taking wonderful care of her family. Her greatest legacy was being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. In her later years she spent much time with her daughter Katie. She will be sadly missed by her loving children: Tom Brosnan of Bonifay, FL, Mike Brosnan of Wallingford, Chris Brosnan and his wife Sue of Wallingford, and Katie Velez and her husband Oswaldo (who Ruth thought of more as a son than son-in-law) of Meriden. She also leaves 5 beloved grandchildren: Amy Brosnan of the United States Navy, Peter Brosnan of the United States Airforce, Patrick Brosnan of Simsbury, Kimberlee Brosnan of Wallingford and Michael Charles Velez of Meriden along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a brother Raymond Backes, and her sisters: Betty Wright and Jane Berger. Relatives and friends may call on Monday, February 21, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the B. C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 AM on Monday following the visitation. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery in Wallingford. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice. To leave a message of remembrance or for directions please visit www.BCBailey.com.