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Ruth Holdridge-Shafer Obituary
Ruth was born Nov. 2, 1932, and was the only child of the late Ray and Mildred Holdridge. She grew up in Ledyard where she attended a one room school before going to Norwich Free Academy and graduating in 1949. In 1950 she married Elton Shafer and dedicated her life to raising their five children. She was a member of the Ledyard Congregational Church and played an active role in the music and Sunday School programs. Besides spending time with her family, Ruth enjoyed nature, gardening, traveling, baking, fashion, and fine arts. She was known for being a talented pianist and a master seamstress. She was an entrepreneur and owned a variety of small businesses. Above all she was passionate and proud of her children and grandchildren.
Ruth is survived by her children Keith Shafer, Kevin Shafer, Karen Meeks, Loren Shafer, and Wendy Pilkington. She leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom she loved deeply. She will be greatly missed and forever in their hearts.
The family expresses appreciation to Hope Hospice for providing compassionate care. In lieu of flowers/gift, donations may be made to hopehcs.org/donate.
Funeral services will be held at Ledyard Congregational Church at a later date. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Holdridge-Shafer
April Batker
August 19, 2020
My Grammie Ruth wasn't perfect, but she was absolutely gorgeous, both inside and out. She was hard when she needed to be, but had a big heart and helped when she could. She helped take care of 3 generations; her own children, grandkids and great grandkids.
She showed me the beauty and grace in strength and grit. I should be so lucky to be half the woman that my Grammie was. I'm going to miss her; miss getting to sit and listen to her play the piano for her beloved pets, her pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and the life lessons she taught through example. I know that in her spare time, while she isn't helping tend God's garden, she will be watching over ALL of her loved ones and I can't wait to be with her again, reminiscing about good times!
Lenora Barker
August 18, 2020
I remember how she'd get up early everyday have breakfast, get dressed, fix her hair and go off to work cleaning other elderly people's houses, then she'd come home in the afternoon have her lunch and fall asleep on the sofa watching the news she loved watching Fox News and Bill O'Reilly. I'll never forget the Bush/Gore presidential election let's just say she wasn't Al Gore's biggest fan. She was the greatest pianist and could lift anyone's spirits with her music. She was very talented, loving and kind she will be greatly missed. Love you Grammy
Elton Barker
August 16, 2020
When I remember my Grandma I remember how she would play the piano. How she would sing during church. The pecan pies she would make on thanksgiving and cookies she would make at christmas. I remeber the comb over she would give me when she cut my hair and how much I hated it. I remeber how happy she would be when I came to visit and the time we spent together. I will never forget the she smiled and brought happiness wherever she was. I love you grandma and know that wherever you are you'll always be watching over me.
Fonda Bell
August 16, 2020
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
Fonda Bell
Pru Naseman
August 16, 2020
I have most happy memories of spending Thanksgiving with this loving and kind lady who I count as one very special friend. We also enjoyed spring-time walks along the canal in Cape Coral, relaxing together and watching the ducks. Then indoors Ruth sat at her piano and played for us - what a treat from this most talented musician. I will always remember my kind and gentle friend.
August 16, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Karen and the Schaefer family. I will always remember Ruth as a very kind and generous lady.
Eben Salter
Jeremy Shafer
August 15, 2020
Grandma Ruth was a compassionate and feisty woman. She loved spending time with her family and caring for her grandkids. I enjoyed our conversations as she always had an amusing story to tell. She will be greatly missed.
Daniel Shafer
August 14, 2020
Aunt Ruth was a second mom to me and my brother and sister. We spent our entire young lives sharing time with her family. In later years we still kept in touch as she was an all loving, all caring, sincere lady. She always took pride in her appearance yet could get down and dig in the dirt and use a hammer or shovel or power tool. She was definitely cut from a Yankee mold but living in the south knew how to grace southern charm with dignity. Her memories in all our lives will live on forever.
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