Ruth E. (Hall) Welch – 89 of North Reading, MA passed peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and friends, Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Born in Stoneham, MA on July 18, 1933, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Dorothy M. (Pike) Hall. She was born and raised in Reading, MA before moving to North Reading in 1960 where she resided for the remainder of her life. Ruth attended Reading schools and was a 1952 graduate of Reading High School and also earned worthy advisor status at Rainbow Girls in Reading, MA.
She worked at the Reading Telephone company as an operator before marrying the love of her life, L. Donald Welch, October 15, 1955. Ruth and Donald enjoyed 67 years of marriage together.
Ruth enjoyed ceramics, gardening, dancing, horseback riding, spending time at the family cottage on Balch Lake in Maine, and loved all kinds of animals. She was such a kind and loving person with a heart of gold. Ruth would welcome everyone into her heart and home with open arms and a big smile with her beautiful blue eyes beaming bright. She was always up for an adventure, was extremely witty and always liked to have fun. We will always remember her smile and her laugh. Most of all, Ruth cherished her entire family and dear friends, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
We are all heartbroken, however, comforted knowing she is now at peace after battling Alzheimers for many years. Ruth leaves her husband L. Donald Welch of North Reading; son Bradford Welch and wife Cheryl of Salem, NH; daughter Sheila Welch-Miller and husband Don of Townsend, MA; granddaughters Alycia Welch, Arielle Williams, Nicole Welch and partner Benny Guilfu, and Amber Eaton. Grandsons Stephen Welch, Shane Miller, Bradford Welch and Andrew Welch. Great grandchildren Malyia, Sierra, Kip, and Eliana. Sisters Dorothy M. (Hall) Knowles of Reading, MA and Nancy L. Hall of Lakeworth, FL. Ruth was predeceased by her son Stephen D. Welch, daughter Darlene R. Welch, and brother George W. Hall Jr.
Ruth’s family will receive visitors at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Tuesday, January 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864 on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 am. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Care Dimensions, Suite B102, 75 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or caredimensions.org/donate. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
My thoughts are with your family. Ruthie as I called her was so wonderful with all of us in our younger hangout days at her house. Always a great laugh and love. You will be missed by everyone.
Sandy Correale
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Wishing you and your family strength, peace, and God’s blessings.
My sister and brothers will always remember our sweet cousin, Ruthie, “Rubberlips”. We have wonderful memories of her at many happy family gatherings. Our condolences to all the Hall and Welch families. Love, Margie, Chuckie, Betty Jean, and Ken Huntley.
So sorry to hear of her passing momma Sweat was wonderful — she was like a 2nd mother to me — She will be dearly missed — Say Hi to dad for me Love you