Ruth L. Hudon

Ruth Lucile Hudon of Duxbury, a gracious, energetic and compassionate woman who lived life to the fullest for 102 years, died peacefully at the Maple Hill Residential Care Home in Waterbury on Friday, June 1, 2018.

She was born in Plainfield May 28, 1916, daughter of Ivan and Theresa (Lawson) Ainsworth, attended Woodbury High School and was valedictorian of her 1934 graduating class.

On June 8, 1935, she married Franklyn C. Hudon in Hardwick. He died June 26, 1991.

After her marriage to Franklyn, Ruth worked for the former Pilgrim Plywood Co. and worked seasonally at the Demeritt Canning Factory, both in Waterbury.

Ruth loved children and for several years provided child care at her home before being employed in laundry and seamstress services at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, retiring in 1981.

Ruth was a longtime active member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women in Waterbury, and was a faithful participant in the local Methodist Bible study group for a number of years.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, sewing, crocheting, knitting and reading. She was an avid walker. Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, gave her immense joy and reciprocated love.

Survivors include her daughter, Lucille H. Lewis of Duxbury; her grandchildren, Lucinda Clark and husband Randy of Belvidere, Bonnie Kerin and husband Ron of Waterbury Center, Merry Baker and husband Jeff of Jericho, Joan Haskins and husband Jeffrey of Duxbury, Sue O’Brien and husband Chris of Waterbury Center, Renee Hamilton and husband James of Monroe, Mich., Melissa Holt and husband Travis of Taunton, Mass., and Franklyn Lewis and wife Kristyn of Bristol, Conn.; 18 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great grandchildren; and extended family.

A daughter, Barbara Hammond, died earlier, as did her grandchildren Holly Jean Lewis, Capt. Gordon Andrew Lewis, and Scott Franklyn Lewis; a brother, Gerald Ainsworth; and a son-in-law Lynn G. Lewis, Jr.

A celebration of Ruth Hudon’s life was held Tuesday, June 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Waterbury, followed by a reception in the church dining room. Burial will be in the family lot in Hope Cemetery, Waterbury.

Donations in her memory would be appreciated to Wesley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 214, Waterbury, VT 05676. Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. To send online condolences: perkinsparker.com or the funeral home’s Facebook page.