Ruth Virginia (Rose) Willett

Ruth Virginia Rose Willett

May 23, 1926 –  September 6, 2024

Ruth returned to the side of her beloved husband of over 76 years, Joe, on Friday, September 6, 2024.

She was born in Cambridge, MA and spent every summer of her childhood in Wakefield NH, manifesting a lifelong love of the property. She and Joe were able to purchase it in the 1950’s and spent the rest of their lives lovingly restoring it. They retired there in 1985 and were involved in many community endeavors, including Meals on Wheels. They were drivers for over 30 years, and Ruth was on the Board of Directors as well for many years. Ruth was very devoted to early childhood development and was on the Board of Directors at BerryBrook School in Duxbury, MA, and also volunteered there a great deal. She was fascinated by genealogy and tracked her lineage back to the Mayflower, for which she was very proud.

Ruth had a long life well-lived, and filled with family, many animals, and her art. Up until two days before her death, she met with her weekly art group, which had gathered every Wednesday morning for over 30 years. Ruth was interested in all aspects of early American arts. She owned a loom from the 1600’s on which she created many masterpieces, which are still to this day displayed in South Shore historic homes. We always called her the Hippie Pilgrim! She won many awards for her paintings, as well as her fiber arts. Many people still have mittens, socks, and sweaters that she knitted. She also pursued studying pottery with Katherine Alden (Plymouth, MA). She has exhibited her watercolors, oils, and acrylics throughout New England.

Ruth had a love of dancing and started square dancing with the Hobomock HoDowners in Pembroke, MA in the 1950s, and upon retiring, continued dancing with several groups in the Carroll County Area. It was not unusual to come into the living room to find Mom and Dad dancing to the Lawrence Welk Show!

She loved her daughters, and even more the husbands and grandchildren they brought her! She leaves Ann Willett (Warren Seavey) of Tamworth, Sarah Matlock (Paul) of Tuftonboro, and Brooke Rines (James) of Ossipee. John and Marilyn Dawson of Tuftonboro/Columbia SC and Michael Glidden of Somersworth also are important to mention here as well. She has four granddaughters: Zoe Anderson (Riley) of Columbia, SC; Amara Rines of Freedom; Victoria Armstrong (Josh) of Branchville, NJ; and Micaela Rines (Bobby Perry) of Tamworth. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Jordan, Owen, Harper, Olivia, and Anna.

We would also be remiss if we did not give great thanks (and admiration) to the staff at Mountain View Community. They consistently went over and above to give her the greatest care and affection. We cannot thank you enough for making her last 11 months as comfortable as they were.

On Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 3 pm to 6 pm there will be a celebration (because Mom always loved a party) to remember both she and dad at River’s Edge Tavern in Center Ossipee (Indian Mound Golf Course). Bring fun stories to share!

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Wolfeboro Area Meals on Wheels.

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