Ruth E. Stoughton

Ruth E. Stoughton RAYNHAM Ruth Evelyn (Gouldrup) Stoughton, 57, of Raynham, formerly of Brockton, passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at her home, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was the loving wife of Thomas B. Stoughton for 31 years. Born April 30, 1951, and raised in Brockton, she was a daughter of the late Harold W. Gouldrup and the late Edith V. (Olson) Gouldrup. Ruth was a graduate of Brockton High School and later of UMASS Amherst, where she earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Before having children, Ruth worked at Brockton Savings Bank, and once her children were older, returned to employment as a special needs van driver and later a certified pharmacy technician, most recently at Bridgewater State Hospital. She also donated her time by volunteering at a food pantry and fund raising for the American Cancer Society and the LUNGevity Foundation. Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed singing, at her home, with the Community Chaplain Services, and in various choral groups such as Encore!, Taunton Civic Chorus and Mayflower Chorale. She also enjoyed outdoor activities such as biking, canoeing, kayaking and tennis; though as an avid dog lover, she was most fond of walking and playing with her dogs, Bandit, Bagel, and Fred. When indoors, she liked to sew clothing for her grandchildren, decorate her home for each season and watch Rifleman with her husband. Certainly, her ultimate focus in life centered around her beloved husband, children and grandchildren and most of all, her Christian faith. Her family will lovingly remember her as a godly, caring, and strong woman. Ruth is survived by her husband, Thomas; her daughter, Meredith (Stoughton) Bohannon of Eastham, her son, Michael Stoughton of Raynham, and her daughter Andrea (Stoughton) Sawyer of Taunton. She also leaves behind two sons-in-law, Adam Bohannon of Eastham and Brian Sawyer of Taunton; and two beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin and Andrew Bohannon of Eastham. In addition, Ruth leaves behind a brother, Russell Gouldrup; and sister-in-law, Linda Gouldrup, both of Easton; and she was the sister of the late Carol Ann (Gouldrup) Anderson of Brockton. She is also survived by her father-in-law, Richard Stoughton Jr., of Wellfleet; a brother-in-law, William Anderson of Plymouth; a sister-in-law, Martha (Stoughton) McNeil of Brockton; a sister-in-law, Nanci (Stoughton) Blakeslee of Ithaca, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in the Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, 280 Bedford St. (Rte. 18), Lakeville, MA, Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Nov. 20. at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will follow the service. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the LUNGevity Foundation, 435 North LaSalle St., Suite 310, Chicago, Illinois 60654 or the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Massachusetts, Inc., 502 Bedford St., Fall River, MA 02720. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.d-mfh.com.