Ruth Nellie Durkee

SHELDON- Ruth N. (Remington) Durkee, age 79, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, at UVM Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 29, 1945, in St. Albans, Vermont, Ruth was the daughter of Robert W. Remington and Clarice H. (Corwell) Remington. She grew up on the family farm on Rice Hill with her sister, Nancy (Remington) Eldred.

Ruth attended BFA St. Albans, where she excelled academically and participated in numerous extracurricular activities. She was a well-accomplished student, involved in the Senior Play Committee, Junior Jamboree Committee, and served as Stage Manager. Ruth was a member of the National Honors Society and received the prestigious Bausch-Lomb Award. She also contributed to the Junior Red Cross Council, 4-H, Fashion Board, Yearbook Committee, and Church Youth.

After graduating in 1963, she married the love of her life, Homer Durkee Jr., on August 24, 1963. They started their family in St. Albans and moved several times before landing in Sheldon in 1978.

Ruth had a distinguished career, beginning at Union Carbide and later at IBM, where she demonstrated her dedication and work ethic. Alongside her professional pursuits, she was a devoted entrepreneur. With her husband, they built, owned, and operated the Sheldon Mini Mart for 40 years. Ruth also used her talents to draft and facilitate site plans for her husband's building projects. Additionally, she earned a realtor's license and a certificate in massage therapy, always eager to expand her skills and explore new opportunities.

Ruth played the organ for Rice Hill Methodist Church for 40 years, providing uplifting melodies and occasionally speaking as a lay person, offering inspiration and support to her community.

She is survived by her children: Chris Durkee, Tina Lamos and her husband Jeff, Heather Prive and her husband Andrew, and Heidi Kindt and her husband Louis. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Travis, Alexis, Abbey, Danica, Ian, Elijah, Isaiah, Noah, Adrienne, Olivia, Alexandria, Levi, and Lucian; and 21 great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Remington) Eldred.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Homer Durkee Jr., and her granddaughter Ashley Durkee.

Friends and family are invited to Ruth's Life Celebration events to include visitation on Monday, October 7th, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, with funeral services following at 2:00 pm, at Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave. Swanton, VT 05488. Interment will follow in the Sheldon Village Cemetery. 

Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com