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1925
2014
EPSOM – Ruth (Anna Norquist) Riis died quietly in her sleep at the Epsom Healthcare Center, Epsom, early in the morning of Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Born in Holden, Mass., to Anna T. and Oscar R. Norquist, Ruth was the 5th of six children. She was raised in Concord, where she met and married Laurence J. Riis Jr. in 1946. They lived and brought up their family in upstate New York, near Binghamton, between 1957 and 1978, and in Essex Junction, Vt., from 1978 until Larry's death in 2003.
Ruth returned to the Concord area in 2010. At various times in her life, she worked as a secretary, homemaker, office manager, and volunteer coordinator for several non-profit and church organizations in New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. She will be remembered for her ready wit, generous spirit, and devotion to her family.
Ruth is survived by two sisters, Edna Carignan and Doris Alexander; three sons, Thomas, Brian (Sandra Sherman), and Steven (Bonnie Holland); grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew, Katherine, Andrew, Pamela and Megan; and great-grandchildren, Alana, Malachi, Emmalyn, Ginnerva, Jenson, Tessa and Lily; as well as many nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main St., Concord.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, or the Essex United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8074, Essex, VT 05451.
The Bennett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be offered at bennettfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
I was saddened to hear of Auntie Ruthie's passing.May God's love help Tom,Brian and Steven and their families help them through this difficult time.Love and peace to all of you.
Karen (Norquist) Nurmi
May 2, 2014
I am saddened to read of Ruth's death. She and Larry were a bright spot in our congregation at Essex United Methodist Church. We were glad for her, but sad for us when she moved to be nearer to family. Regards, Marilyn Almeida
May 1, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family during this difficult time. May God be a refuge (Ps 91:2) for you during this difficult time.
Marie
April 30, 2014
Sorry to hear of Aunt Ruth's passing.
Jamie Riis
April 30, 2014
Auntie, I was very saddened to hear of your passing. My sincere sympathy to Brian, Thomas and Steven. May toy R.i.P. I am hoping to attend the services.
Debbie Nor quist racca
April 30, 2014
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