Ruth E. (Cedar) Koe – Age 88, of Dedham, passed away January 15, 2007 at the Glover Hospital in Needham. Born March 11, 1918, Ruth was the daughter of the late Gustaf and Thyra (Mellgren) Cedar. Ruth graduated from Jeremiah Burke High School in Dorchester in 1963. After graduation she followed her father’s vocation and worked as a Swedish Masseuse. Ruth was later employed at the West Roxbury Pharmacy and completed her working career with a long time position at the Star Island Corporation. Ruth was a member of the First Church & Parish in Dedham where she served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the school. She was a member of the Women’s Evening Guild and the Women’s Alliance. She was especially active in youth programming and led summer playground programs, and was a long term Girl Scout Leader. Ruth had a special fondness for the Isles of Shoals and she attended her first conference on Star Island in 1934. She provided leadership for youth programs at several Island conferences. She was co-founder of the Star Island Gift Shop and served on the Gift Shop Committee. Ruth greatly valued the many friendships she made at Star Island. Ruth also enjoyed crafts and walking.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Arthur W. Koe and her daughter Ruth Brady. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Searle of Belchertown, a sister Edla McKertick of Natick, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.
A memorial service will be held at the First Church & Parish (Unitarian) in Dedham, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at 2:00 PM. Relatives and friends kindly invited.
Memorial gifts in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Star Island Corp., 10 Vaughn Mall, Suite 8, Worth Plaza, Portsmouth, NH 03801.