Ruth E. Van Brakle of Edgartown died unexpectedly on April 5 at the age of 73.

Ruth was born in Oak Bluffs to Antone T. and Inez W. (Manning) Silvia. She was a lifelong resident of Martha’s Vineyard. Ruth is predeceased by four siblings, Kenneth Silvia, Preston Silvia, Gilbert Silvia and Verna Silvia.

She is also survived by two daughters, Renee Metell and her husband Paul of West Tisbury and Karen Van Brakle of Plainville, Conn.; three grandchildren, Jeremy Provost, Aaron Metell, and Marissa Gray; and two great-grandchildren; Hayleigh LeCoq and Cavin Payton Jr.

Ruth graduated from Tisbury High School in 1960. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Ruth retired from Island Insurance Agency after 35 years of dedicated service. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, as mother, grandmother and friend. Ruth enjoyed life to the fullest, and was a true Islander, with an appreciation for many Island activities, including quahaugging, clamming, picking beach plums and blueberries. She also enjoyed fishing, boating and her favorite pastime, hunting for seaglass. She was passionate about photography and reading as well as her home, pool, and gardens. Ruth could be found on the golf course or the tennis court on a sunny day.

Ruth also enjoyed travelling, both abroad and domestically, and spent many years in Hollywood Beach, Fla. She had a passion for learning new things, learning both Spanish and Portuguese. Her enthusiasm for enjoying life was endless.

She was admired by so many with her zest for living passionately and maintaining a youthful spirit. Ruth will be missed by so many people that she touched in her special way.

A graveside service will be held May 9 at 10:00 a.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, P.O. Box 1552, Oak Bluffs, MA, 02557.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.