Ruth Thornton

Ruth B. Thornton

1938 - 2020

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Ruth

Obituary of Ruth B. Thornton

South Hadley - Ruth Thornton, 82, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2020 surrounded by her family.  Ruth was born in Holyoke, the daughter of Raymond and Ruth (Mutch) Hennequin. She was married to her high school sweetheart and husband of 61 years, R. Michael Thornton who passed away in 2018.  She was a lifelong resident of South Hadley and a member of the First Congregational Church of South Hadley for over 60 years.  

Ruth began her career in Human Resources at Mt Holyoke College in the early 1970's.  She then worked in Human Resources at Amherst College where she retired in 2002 as Assistant Director.  After retiring, Ruth worked as Ombudsperson at Amherst College and was instrumental in starting the Ombuds Program at Hampshire College.  She also served on the Board of Directors for the Five College Credit Union for many years.  At the age of 59, Ruth received her Bachelor's Degree from UMASS, an accomplishment she and her family were very proud of.   Ruth and Mike were the center of a large and loving family and they enjoyed many celebrations all together. Quiet times were spent at their summer camp in New Hampshire where Ruth was often the “co-pilot” in the canoe.  

She will be deeply missed by four children, Kathy Holmes (Marty) of S. Hadley, Susan Rigali (Brian) of Southampton, Michael Thornton (Pam) of Granby and Peter Thornton (Tina) of E. Longmeadow and a sister Carol McCreary (John) of Chicopee.  She is also survived by 9 precious grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren that she loved dearly, as well as her lifelong friend Ruth Ruel.   Together Ruth and Mike taught all who they touched that family and love were most important and they lived this every day.

Walk through calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home.  Burial will be private.  Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Griffin's Friends Children's Cancer Fund or to First Congregational Church of South Hadley.  

Sunday
3
January

Calling hours

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home
646 Newton St.
South Hadley, Massachusetts, United States
413-533-4400