Bridgewater, Vermont

Ruth Houghton Needham died Sunday November 27th at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

Ruth was born in Bridgewater Corners on February 15, 1927, daughter of Karl and Jean Houghton. Ruth spent nearly all of her 84 years in her hometown and loved the community dearly. She was active in the Bridgewater Congregational Church, a proud and active member of the Bridgewater Historical Society, and a long time member of the King's Daughters. For many years she worked at the Bridgewater woolen mill and was also a local business owner.

After she closed her beauty shop in 1985 she "retired" by working in the Woodstock Inn gift shop where the Inn guests loved her local stories. She volunteered many hours at Good Beginnings helping Moms with their new babies. While working at Good Beginnings she was awarded the "2005 Governors Award for Outstanding Volunteer Community Service". Babies and children were one of Ruth's greatest passions and nothing brought her more joy than being with her grandchildren.

Ruth was a gifted knitter, avid watcher of birds, and a theater enthusiast who attended plays at the Weston Playhouse every summer. She was also an author. In 1999 she wrote a book about her life entitled "From the Upper Road", a true family treasure. She was a devoted friend, a loving wife, a treasured aunt and sister, a remarkable grandmother, a cherished mother and a Vermonter through and through. Ruth's wisdom exceeded the bounds of her simple Vermont life. She touched many hearts and is a part of the fabric of the Bridgewater community. She was truly a gift to all who had contact with her.

In 1949 she married Stillman Needham. They were married 47 years and had 3 daughters. She is survived by Brenda Lynn Needham and husband Art Garges, Quechee, Beryl Jean Needham and husband Mark Palmucci, Ann Arbor, MI, Belinda Needham Shropshire and husband David Shropshire, Quechee: granddaughter Kali Needham Garges-Rousseau and husband Erik Rousseau, Providence, RI, granddaughter Maddison Needham Shropshire, grandson Gavin O'Malley Shropshire and grandaughters Annie, Katy, and Jaime Palmucci; her special twin brother Royal Houghton and wife Lynn, Ascutney, and many extended family members. She was pre deceased by her husband Stim in 1996 and infant daughter in 1959.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday December 1st from 6-8pm at the Cabot Funeral Home and a Memorial Service Friday Dec 2nd at 1:00pm at the Bridgewater Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bridgewater Historical Society, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, the Bridgewater Congregational Church or The Weston Playhouse.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. Condolences may be offered by visiting cabotfh.com

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