Philemene Ruonala

MILFORD -- Philemene S. Ruonala, 92, died June 20, 2008, at Harborside Healthcare Center-Crestwood.

She was born in Springfield, Mass., Dec. 21, 1915, to John and Anna M. (Johnson) Galletly.

She resided in Milford for more than 80 years.

She was a retail clerk at Darling's Gift Shop, The Card Shop and had worked at county stores and Milford Cooperative Bank.

She was a member of Milford United Methodist Church for more than 80 years. She was active in many church groups, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the Helping Hands.

She was past president of Rebekah Assembly of New Hampshire. She received the Declaration of Chivalry, was past president of the Ladies Auxiliary Patriarchs Militant and Ladies Encampment, Past Noble Grand of Custos Morum Rebekah Lodge 23, Milford, where she had held many offices.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward O. Ruonala, in 1977.

IN HER LIFE: She loved to knit, crochet and made many pairs of mittens.

She was a loving mother, a devoted grandmother and great grandmother.

Family members include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Gail Ruonala of Milford, and Frederick and Cheri Ruonala of Dover; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Cecil Rowlette of Brookline; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

SERVICES: There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in Milford United Methodist Church, 327 North River Road, Milford. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Milford.

Memorial donations may be made to Milford United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 476, Milford 03055.

Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, is handling arrangements (www.smith-heald.com).