HANOVER, NH — Ruth Demarest, 99, a longtime resident of Kendal at Hanover, died peacefully at her home on November 21, 2019. Ruth, daughter of Charles S. and Ethel (West) Demarest, was born June 15, 1920, in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Ridgewood, NJ, received a BA from Oberlin College, an MA from Columbia University, and completed a clinical internship at New York University. Ruth worked as a clinical psychologist in NY, Phoenix, AZ, and Madison, WI, before retiring in 1970 from Wisconsin State Department of Health and Social Services. Her specialty was psychological evaluation of adults and children. Memberships included American Psychological Association and National Education Association.
Ruth touched many lives in a positive way and was most proud of her career. Prior to moving to Kendal in 1991, she lived in Lyme Center, NH, where she was active in the Ladies Aide Society and The Utility Club of Lyme. Friends were very important to Ruth, which she maintained over many years. Ruth loved animals of all kinds and had both dogs and cats as pets until very late in life. She had a wry sense of humor and a laugh that was totally engaging. Some of her favorite stories were about her summers at Camp Billings. She could sing the camp songs nearly to the end of her days. She loved to watch tennis, swimming and basketball on TV.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents and brother. Survivors include two nephews, David and Roger Demarest of Omaha, NE, a niece, Anne Lewis of Kent, Washington, two great-nephews Charles Lewis of Cincinnati, OH and Gregory Lewis of Seattle, WA, two great-great-nephews Gregory and Greyson of Seattle, WA, and many friends including Lorry Kenton of Hanover, NH, Sally Newell of Newark, VT, and David and Peggy Smith of Georgetown, MA. Ruth’s close friends Lorry, Sally, the Smiths, and the staff at Kendal went above and beyond in their friendship and support for Ruth in her final years.
Ruth will be most remembered for her hilarious sense of humor, tireless community involvement, and willingness to help any and all. Memorial services will be held today, Saturday, December 14, 2019, from 2 to 4 PM in the living room adjacent to the dining hall at Kendal at Hanover, 80 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH. Burial service will be held on or about May 16, 2020, at Highland Cemetery in Lyme, NH. Arrangements are by Hale Funeral Home in Bradford, VT.
The family and friends of Ruth would like to express deep gratitude to all the staff at Kendal for their kind and compassionate care of Ruth over the years. Ruth was a supporter of the Kendal Cadbury Fund. Gifts to the Cadbury Fund in Ruth’s memory may be sent in care of Kendal.