Wilder, VT   -   In the early morning hours on Thursday, June 2, 2022, Ruth Louise Thibodeau, 86, passed away peacefully at her beloved home with family, friends and her two cats, Buddy and Cuddles by her side.  She was born in Hartland, VT on September 4, 1935, to Kendall Claude and Margaret Marie Gilbert.  During her childhood, Ruth was raised in Boston, Massachusetts (Back Bay). In her young adult years, she returned to the Upper Valley with her mother and attended Hartford High School. Ruth worked at the Polka Dot and Larry's Dairy Bar, where in 1954 she met the love of her life, Gerard Joseph Thibodeau. They married a year later on November 19, 1955. They shared 58 years of marriage, until his passing in 2013.

Ruth (Gram/Lady) and Gerard (Tex/Pops) purchased their first home on Fern St. in Wilder, VT where they raised their two children and have resided for over 60 years. Ruth loved her family, people, conversations and company. Ruth and Tex would often be seen at the Crossroads Café visiting and reminiscing with other "locals" of the town at least a couple times per day! Throughout her years Ruth enjoyed a variety of jobs, including Mascoma Bank and the US Post Office. She enjoyed activities such as volunteering at Brookside Nursing Home, cheering on the competitors of the Prouty and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their various sports games and concerts. Ruth loved children whether they were a part of her brood or not. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a crossing guard, a "Lunch Lady'' for many years at the Wilder and White River Elementary Schools, the Hartford Middle School (where she also ran the "snack bar") and the Hartford High School. Ruth also worked for many years at Ken's Country Store.

Ruth and her family enjoyed many vacations together over the years in Wells, Maine and created a wealth of precious memories. She is survived by her two children, daughter, Desiree Smith and husband (Stephen) of Wilder and Son, Gerry Thibodeau and wife (Sara) of Enfield, NH.  She is also survived by four very special grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who she loved to the moon and back. She is also survived by her long time "adopted daughter" Nancy Promersberger and husband (Brian) of Wilder.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters-in-law as well as two nieces. A very special thank you to Bayada Hospice, Dr. Barbara Lazar, nurses, home health aides, Judi Bowling and Jamie Smith for all of the attention and care provided.

Calling hours are on Monday, June 6 ^th from 5-7 pm at Knight's Funeral Home in White River Jct and a funeral service on Tuesday, June 7 ^th at 11AM, followed by burial in the Christian Street Cemetery in White River Jct., VT . A celebration of life gathering will be held at Ruth's home for family and friends immediately following the burial services.