Ruth E. Markell, 84, of Derry, NH, died Saturday April 6, 2024 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry. She was born on March 21, 1940 in Berlin, NH, a daughter of the late Frederick and Madeleine (Dion) Mason. She had been a resident of Derry for the past 50 years. She is survived by her daughters, Kristine Dube of Derry, Cheryl Slater and her husband Jon of Derry; four grandchildren, Samantha Markell of Hopkinton, Carly Slater of Derry, Jon Dube, Jr. of Derry, and Aaron Slater of Derry; four great grandchildren; two sisters, Jacqueline Morton of Venice, FL, and Roberta Mason of Gorham, NH; several foster daughters including, Melody England, Deanna Brown, Marie Benoit, Jamie King and Lillian Nichols as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Carolyn Nolan, Barbara Tarby, Sandra Leroux, Richard Mason and Avril Mason.
Ruth worked for Shaws for over two decades and retired in 2001 to help care for her grandchildren. Once her grandchildren started school she worked part time at Hannaford up until COVID. She was the “little old lady” with white hair bringing in carriages that prompted many phone calls to Hannaford management. When asked why they didn’t have “the young kids” bringing in the carriages she would happily reply that “this is my exercise and I love it”. Ruth was always the one to go to when you needed to talk or had a problem. She was selfless and caring and always put everyone else first. She loved spending time with her family, telling jokes and making you laugh. She was quick witted with one liners but could also stop you in your tracks with “the look”. Ruth became a Foster Parent in 1986 and continued to be active in Foster Care for over a decade. She was a loving, caring and dedicated Foster Mom to many.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 11th from 5 – 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00am in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry Road, East Derry, NH. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held following the service at Londonderry Christian Church, 372 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics NH or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.