Ruth L. Brooks

COLEBROOK – Ruth L. Brooks was called to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at the Coös County Nursing Hospital in W. Stewartstown at the age of 100 years and 270 days. Sadness of her death was felt by those close to her, but so was a celebration of a life well-lived and blessed. Ruth was born in West Stewartstown on April 10, 1923, the daughter of Mabel Condon Marsh. At the age of 17, Ruth married Harold Uran of Beecher Falls and they resided in Canaan. She worked for many years at the hospital in West Stewartstown before it transitioned to the nursing home. During that time, she studied for and earned her LPN from the State of New Hampshire. On July 1, 1963, she went to work for Dr. Randall Brooks as his nurse and office assistant until his retirement in 1978. So many people were helped by Ruth, including house calls, and she always delivered a friendly greeting and smile. Having divorced Harold earlier in life, Ruth and Randall were married on July 26, 1972. Ruth was a devoted member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women until she could no longer attend. What an amazing life Ruth lived, filled with wonderful memories in between the beginning and the end! Living over 100 years, it is difficult to list everything that she accomplished, so a few highlights will be shared. Ruth was a talented knitter, having knitted countless sweaters, mittens, scarves, and slippers for fortunate recipients. As an avid golfer, she could be seen on many an afternoon on the Colebrook Country Club course or on one of the golf courses in Florida where she and Randall wintered for several years. Having an adventuresome spirit, she was a member of the group “Forever Young” and a charter member of the “Red Hats” of Colebrook. She loved to dance and joined the group “The Boot Scooters” and traveled with them on their trip to Nashville. Ruth found that she enjoyed painting with the tutorials of Bob Ross. Some locals have been blessed with one of her many works of art. She donated one of her paintings to the Colebrook Library as well as several to the Methodist Church for their Christmas sales. Ruth was awarded Colebrook’s Boston Post Cane in 2023 as the town’s eldest citizen, and it was displayed with pride in her room at CCNH, along with two of her paintings, Red Hat apparel, cards, and pictures that were sent to her. Ruth was a very kind, gentle, patient, giving, and understanding person all her life, and loved by all who knew her and her joie de vivre! She was predeceased by her husband, Randall, on July 1, 1992, three brothers and three sisters, a stepdaughter, Cynthia Roke of Williston, Vt., and her special friend, Annette Boynton, of Canaan Vt. She is survived by a stepson, Randall Brooks of Mystic, Conn., a stepdaughter, Lynda Hemmings of Essex Junction, Vt., several nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and her special family, David, Terrie, and Averill Herr, of Canaan, and Ryan, Marya, Camden, and Norah Vincent, of Bethel, Me., and the staff at CCNH, especially Kim Joyce. Thank you to those who took the time to visit “Ruthie” once she became a resident of CCNH, and all those who cared for her. She appreciated every minute in her own way. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service will be held later in 2024 in the Stewartstown Hollow Cemetery, of which notice will be given. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 28 Bridge St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Ruth L. Brooks

April 10, 1923 - January 6, 2024