Ruth Hathaway Rose

Ruth Hathaway Rose of Essex Junction, Vermont passed away on April 1st at age 76 in the loving arms of her family after a brief illness with pancreatic cancer. Lover of life and loved by all, Ruth was born on July 26th, 1935 in Bradford, Vermont, the daughter of William Hathaway and Winifred Wilkins. Ruth met her husband of 56 years, William E. Rose Jr., in 1955 and was wed on December 30th of that year. On Goshen Road in Bradford they raised four children before moving to Essex Junction in 1984. Ruth's family was her central focus and the source of her greatest joy and comfort. With her home-baked bread always on the table, Ruth's family grew to include nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her hand painted greeting cards marked birthdays and holidays with a uniquely personal touch. She welcomed all with a smile and a hug. Ruth was never one to forget a face. Wherever she went she routinely reconnected with the many she had worked with or served through her years as a caregiver with the VNA (Bradford and Burlington) and in food service at IBM and the ADL School (Essex Junction). When unexpectedly faced with illness in recent weeks, Ruth wrapped herself in the warmth of her family. From the comfort of that embrace, Ruth's strength, optimism and grace has indelibly touched those who survive her, including her husband, William (Essex Junction), daughter, Cheryl Rose (Burlington), son, Kevin Rose (Tunbridge), daughter, Glenda Rose (Johnson), and daughter, Melanie Loschiavo (Bradford). Ruth is also survived by her brother, Francis Hathaway (Bradford), sister, Rita Smith (Bradford), sister, June Hartley (Bradford), and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren who will fondly remember her as GiGi. Graveside services are planned for 2 pm on Saturday, April 7th at the Sawyer Cemetery in Bradford, Vermont. Memorial donations may be made in Ruth's name to the Vermont Food Bank (33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641) so that others may receive nourishment in honor of Ruth's generosity. The hale Funeral Home of Bradford, VT is in charge of arrangements. To view an online guestbook go to www.halefuneralhomes.com

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