A FORMER mayor of Berkeley has passed away at the age of 86.

Ruth Reeves sadly passed away on Tuesday, November 18. She played a prominent role in the town and was mayor of Berkeley for five years.

Mrs Reeves was born on August 2, 1928 and lived in Leaze Close, Berkeley for the last 52 years of her life with husband Gilbert Reeves, who passed away in May, 2009.

Mr Reeves was also on the town council for 20 years, serving 12 years as mayor and Mrs Reeves took over his role in 1996.

The former mayor was on the town council for many years and was the founding member of the Berkeley Flyer, the town’s monthly newsletter, regularly holding meetings at her home. She was also a keen W.I member.

She was a teacher at Berkeley Primary School in the 1950s and 1960s and later ran a haberdashery shop called ‘Sew and Sew’ with her husband on Berkeley high street until they retired in 1990.

Mrs Reeves continued her love of teaching by giving private tutor classes after her retirement.

Their only child, daughter Sue Jones, said: ““They both played a prominent part in the community and are really well-known in the town. They had a lot in common. They both shared a passion for cricket and Dad loved to play, and Mum would watch.”

Mr and Mrs Reeves celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 15 2007 and were married for a total 62 years.

On Tuesday, February 27, 2007 the Gazette reported on the couple’s diamond wedding anniversary, when Mrs Reeves said: “We haven't parted once. We have had our little disagreements but we can always see things from each other's point of view.

"We've just always been interested in what's going on around us and the people.”

Mrs Jones said: “It was a long and happy marriage. A lot of people in Berkeley know her and many times, people come up to me and say she used to teach them at school. The funeral will be in the town, we want her to return to the place closest in her heart.”

The funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 4 at St Marys Church in Berkeley.