Mrs. Ruth Caillavet

Mrs. Ruth Caillavet, 94, of Biloxi, MS, died Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Biloxi, MS. Born in Boston, MA, Mrs. Caillavet was a resident of Biloxi for over 50 years. She was educated in Needham, MA and graduated from Old Colony Secretarial School of Boston. She entered Government service in Boston and in 1933 accepted a position in the White House on Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt's staff. The job on the First Lady's Staff gave Ruth the opportunity to travel, plan social events and meet King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England. In 1939, Ruth worked in the Panama Canal Zone as Secretary to the head of the Panama Canal Dept. In 1940 Ruth married Lloyd (Blue) Caillavet (a marriage that lasted 64 years), returned to Washington, D.C. and was employed in the Office of Strategic Services throughout World War II. After the war, when her husband was recalled into the military service, they were stationed in Europe and Asia. During the years of her husband's service, she was elected President of the Allied Air Force Wives Club of Central Europe and President of Keesler Officers Wives Club. In 1946, Mrs. Caillavet received Red Cross Volunteer training at the Biloxi V.A. Hospital and has served continually at military hospitals. Mrs. Caillavet was a Charter Member of Biloxi Little Theatre; Secretary-Treasurer of Les Femmes, which she help found; first President of Howard Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; member of Gaynel Garden Club Treasurer and Vice-President of Biloxi Garden Center; member of Billikins; Biloxi Opera Salon; and, Charter Member of Gulf Coast Women's Assn. Ruth also is the author of Memories of the Thirties. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Blue Caillavet and is survived by two nieces, Shirley, husband Walter Dye, of Ocean Springs, Patrice Briggs of Roebuck, South Carolina, Dewitt Caillavet, Hernandon, MS, Bayne Caillavet, Anthony, FL, Arthur Caillavet of Biloxi, Nicky Caillavet, Ocean Springs, Donald Caillavet, Ocean Springs and Sister-in-law Melba Caillavet Services will be held graveside at Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday, April 15, 2005 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, and because of Ruth's life-long love of reading, the family request that donations be made to the Biloxi Public Children's Library, 139 Lameuse St, Biloxi, MS 39530.