Montpelier - Ruth Elizabeth (Sykas) Beard, 66, wife of William S. Beard, mother of Daniel D. Beard E.I. and Rachel (Beard) Keast, died at her home surrounded by her family on Oct. 29, 2014. She was born Aug. 25, 1948, to Thomas W. Sykas and Ruth E. (Woodard) Sykas. She grew up with her four siblings; Anna Sykas, Elizabeth Sykas-Ringgenberg, Thomas W. Sykas and Timothy D. Sykas. She devoted her life to the service of others. She cared for her mother, her children, her cherished grandchildren, her siblings & her nieces and nephews. She hosted her beloved exchange student Manuel from Spain. She provided refuge for strangers in need. She loved her dog Fargo, flying, hot air ballooning, riding her motorcycle and playing the cello. Ruth loved singing in the choir with her husband. Together they visited many interesting places around the world. She worked tirelessly to promote car seat safety and the inclusion of those with disabilities. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1966. She went on to study nursing and graduated in 1969 from The Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Worcester MA. She married her husband, Bill, that same year and began her first career as a maternity nurse at the Leonard Morse maternity ward in Natick, MA. She continued her work at Lowell General Hospital, Lowell MA., Copley Hospital in Morrisville, and CVH in Berlin. She left full time nursing with the arrival of her son Daniel and later her daughter Rachel. However she continued to care for people in new roles such as camp nurse at Camp Wihakowi, Lamaze instruction and as a Special Education Aide for the Montpelier Public School system. She also cut bread for her friends at the Manghi's Bakery. She continued her education with degrees from St. Joseph's College in N.Wyndam ME and VTC. She earned her Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from UVM in 2001. This allowed her to start her second career in Speech Pathology and Assistive Technology. She began working at the Family Center of Washington County where she was able to provide support and care for the children she loved so much. She was an active and dynamic member of the Christ Episcopal Church. She sang in the choir and served in ways too many to list. She is survived by her husband, Bill S. Beard of Montpelier, her children; Dan D. Beard of Montpelier and Rachel B. Keast, her son in law Chris M. Keast and two grandchildren, Chris and Bill all of Plainfield. She is also survived by her siblings Anna, Liz and Tom. She was predeceased by her brother Tim and her parents Tom and Ruth. Ruth will be sorely missed by her siblings and extended family. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Christ Church Building Fund, 64 State St Montpelier VT. 05602. There will be a Memorial service at 11 am, Saturday November 15th at the Christ Episcopal Church, 64 State Street, Montpelier. Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.