Ruth Clough
Ruth Clough

New London, N.H. — Ruth (Sue) Ingersoll Clough passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, in Newport, N.H. Born in February 1943, she was daughter of Francis M. Ingersoll MD and Patricia C Bockes. Sue grew up in Newton, Mass., graduated from the Cambridge School of Weston and went on to attend Middlebury College. She married John Clough of New London in 1964. After living in Colorado, the couple moved back to New Hampshire, living in Campton, Hanover, and Meriden before settling in New London with their four children in 1975.

Sue and John founded Spring Ledge Farm, a flower, fruit, and vegetable stand on Main Street, New London which flourished and grew to be a major agricultural asset to the town. During the 35 years of ownership, Sue’s generosity of spirit combined with hard work gave much to the community. Her interest in and knowledge of perennials resulted in the beautiful garden along Main St. that still fronts the farm stand and has inspired many other gardeners. She was in her element when tending customers and working with the many summer and full time employees.

Not one to stand back, Sue’s interest in agriculture led to her appointment by the governor to the New Hampshire Agricultural Advisory Committee for a three year term, the first woman to serve. She was on the board of the N.H. Lands Committee for 10 years furthering its mission to save key agricultural lands. In addition she was instrumental in the transfer of Her beloved grandfather’s 171 acres in southern New Hampshire to the Society for the Protection of N.H. Forests creating the 236 acre Bockes Memorial Forest

Closer to home she was on the founding board of the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust and volunteered for numerous town committees including the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Planning Board, Budget Committee, Conservation Commission, Citizen’s Advisory Committee and and Board of Selectmen for an eight year stint. Her service to St. Andrews Episcopal Church was beyond listing but includes ushering, chairing the Building and Grounds Committee, Education For Ministry mentor, Lay Eucharist Minister and Visitor, Finance Committee, Episcopal Church of N.H. delegate to Convention and Western Convocation, and warden on the Vestry.

She is survived by, John, her husband of 52 years; daughters, Rebecca Clough, Kate Ezrow, Abby Lawless, and Emily Clough; five grandchildren, Ross and Rex Ezrow, Ophelia and Dutch Lawless, and Henry Pirtle; brothers, David, Jon, and James Ingersoll; and sister, Ann Schwab.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Dec. 30, 2016, at The First Baptist Church, 461 Main Street, New London at 2 p.m.

Donations in her memory can be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871; St Andrews Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 294, New London, NH 03257 or The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 2040, New London, NH 03257.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.