Ruth S. Latta, of Provincetown, Massachusetts, died as she wished, at home, on May 31, 2022.…..

Born in Bombay, India, Ruth grew up in South Africa before moving permanently to the United States and eventually finding home in Provincetown at an especially spirited time rich with a burgeoning arts scene. Many now internationally celebrated novelists, painters, poets, musicians, actors and other interesting individuals were fortunate enough to have associated with Ruth. Her vast knowledge of art history, particularly mid-century American art, her keen intellect, quick sharp wit and interest in world politics and human justice combined to make her an honored guest at dinner parties and a sought-after companion for those who came into her sphere. But it was her kindness and thoughtfulness, particularly to those less fortunate than she that occupied most of her time and energy. Ruth was always willing to find a place for students from other countries to stay while they worked summers in Provincetown; she made it her business to ensure that her “kids” were not taken advantage of, that property owners treated them with respect and dignity. She was tireless in her efforts to support workers from Jamaica, Ukraine, Russia, Croatia, etc. and while she never coddled anyone, she made sure that those young people had the best possible American experience while working in Provincetown.

Having traveled extensively, both before settling in Provincetown and after having become a part of the local year-round community, Ruth developed friendships both with native Provincetowners, other folks who made Cape Cod their home and with people from all over the world. She valued those relationships above all else. Ruth didn’t suffer fools and if she thought you were one, she never had to tell you; you just wouldn’t hear from her again. To her friends she was steadfast, loyal and true.

Ruth never grew rich in America but she enjoyed the richness of a life well and cleverly lived. She loved art, music, good writing, television, food – she was an excellent cook – humor, people with critical minds and the natural beauty of Cape Cod: the sea, the sand, the fauna and especially the flora. She never grew tired of the Cape’s wonders: she loved the dunes, the beach plum blossoms, the tides of the sea and the black night skies spotted with distant stars. She lived a long way from where she came but found home, surrounded by loving friends, her second family, on Cape Cod.

Ruth was predeceased by her father, Thomas Beaumont Shepherd, her mother, Anne Marie Therese, her brother Harry and sister Joanne. Surviving Ruth are her sisters, Barbara and Terese, her brother Mark, several nieces and nephews, her best friend of more than sixty years, Lindsay Britt Hornthal, and too many dear friends and loved ones to list. As she might say, “you know who you are.”

At Ruth’s request, there will be no services. Ruth made frequent donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Native American Heritage Association. Gifts in her memory to either organization would help to further their good works and honor Ruth’s commitment to the people their work benefits.

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