Ruth Wyman

Ruth M. (Johnson) Wyman age 89, a longtime resident of Westford, passed away peacefully at The Residence at Freeman Lake, Chelmsford on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Alfred C. Wyman with whom she cherished over 36 years of marriage until his passing in 2003.
She was born in Lowell on November 16, 1936, and was the daughter and only child of the late Peter and Ella (Haberman) Johnson.
Ruth (known as Ruthie to most) grew up in West Chelmsford until she was 10, attending the Quessy School. The family moved to the Nabnasset section of Westford in 1946, and she happily remained in the same house, blessed with wonderful neighbors and a close-knit community for the rest of her life. Graduating from Westford Academy in 1956, she was in the first class to do so from what was then the brand-new high school, which is now Abbot Elementary. She went on to attend college at The Boston School of Dental Nursing and worked for many years as a dental assistant in North Chelmsford.
Ruth met her husband Al one night at a Westford Academy alumni reunion. Al booked a dental cleaning appointment soon after, which would go down (unofficially) as "their first date". From that point forward they were an inseparable, happy and loving pair, welcoming any opportunity to be active participants in the community, attend social and artistic events, or simply find a reason to gather with friends, which brought them both great joy. Ruth was blessed that those friendships she and Al fostered were strong and supportive for the rest of her life.
After losing Al, Ruth spent 22 years living alone but, as in her nature, faced it with a positive attitude and was rewarded with even more adventures, a growing family and many new friendships along the way. One of her most cherished new activities was attending exercise classes twice a week at the Cameron Senior Center beginning in 2004 and did so regularly up until only four months ago. No doubt this helped keep her staying strong and active and she was forever grateful for all the assistance the staff provided, plus the friends who helped her get to class when she was no longer able to drive. Other interests included spending hours in her gardens and meticulously decorating her house for all the holidays, especially Christmas where she took special pride in her New England winter village and became more inspired when her grandchildren Tori and Drew were old enough to help set it up each year.
Faith was an important part of Ruth's life and her lifelong membership at the West Chelmsford United Methodist Church provided great joy, comfort and community as well. She eagerly signed up for any committee, to volunteer at the rummage or holiday fair, watch infants in the nursery, wash dishes after a spaghetti supper, visit folks out in the hospitals and nursing homes, help at the Lowell food pantry, or to simply bring a casserole to a potluck. It truly made her feel loved to be in this active church family. Her final request was to attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service and was thrilled to have made it, with family, friends and beautiful music all surrounding her that night. It was magical.
Ruth is survived by her son Scott and his wife Karen of Hampton, NH; stepsons David Wyman and his wife Tracy of Goffstown, NH and Jonathan Wyman of Montague, MA; two grandchildren Tori and Drew; five step grandchildren Jonathan, Ben, John Adrian, Chris, and Kyle; five great grandchildren Emily, Sarah, Aurora, Quinn and Bella; and cousins Diane Winn (Haberman) and Cheryl Cooke-Giacalone and her husband Steve. Not to be forgotten, all of Ruth's extended family, the Hartnetts and Collitons, who always made her feel welcome and loved.
Her Funeral Service and Interment will be held privately. There will be a celebration of life at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main Street, North Chelmsford on Saturday, February 21st at 10:30am for all those wanting to attend.
Memorial donations may be made in Ruth's memory to West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main Street, North Chelmsford MA 01863.