Groton, VT – Ruth Inez (Therrien) Merryfield, 89, a former longtime Barre, VT resident, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Cottage Hospital, Woodsville, NH following a stroke. Since 2014 she has resided with her daughter, Lorna Merryfield of Groton, VT. Prior to 2014 she resided in Barre, VT for over 50 years.

Ruth was born in Swanton, VT on July 17, 1926. Much of her earlier life was spent in Cabot, VT. She was one of seven Therrien siblings with whom she shared close lifelong bonds. In 1944 she married Ralph Merryfield, her husband of 40 years, who predeceased her in 1984.

Among her enjoyments were growing vegetables and tending flower gardens at her home on Tamarack Lane. She loved getting together with family to play cards on weekends. Homemaking and family were the center of her life. After her own children were grown she did private childcare as well as running a community care center for the elderly in her own home. She will be remembered for her quick wit and humor, as well as her fondness for French Canadian clog dancing. Ruth loved watching the various animals and birds outside her home.

She was a lifelong member of the Lower Graniteville First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her three children, Elaine of Portland, OR, Roger and his wife Priscilla of Shelburne, VT, and Lorna of Groton, VT; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a sister, Eula Foster of Bristol, CT; two sisters-in-law to whom she felt very close, Millie of Westford, VT and Dot of Florence, MA.

A graveside service will be on Wednesday, May 25, at 11 AM at the South Cabot Cemetery, Houghton Road, Cabot, VT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local animal shelter of one's choice, in her name.