Obituary of Ruth S. Monette

Ruth S. (Keith) Monette, 98, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023, surrounded by her large, loving family.

Ruth was born December 18, 1924, during the Great Depression to parents George H. Keith and Ethel H. (Pease) Keith. Ruth grew up in Thorndike, MA, and was a Palmer High School graduate. In her younger years she could often be found roller skating or shopping for the latest fashion trends in downtown Springfield.

On June 5, 1948, Ruth married Felix Ernest Monette (Sonny), a WWII Pearl Harbor Veteran, and would soon welcome their four children into their family who undoubtably were Ruth’s most important part of her life.   Years after the passing of her husband on May 17, 1986, Ruth found companionship with Harry C. Ryder who passed away in 2004.

Ruth was an employee of Tampax in Three Rivers, MA, Springfield Molders in Monson, MA and Sherman & Woods Land Surveyors in Palmer, MA where she retired in 1988.  For many years she was the bookkeeper for her husband’s and brother-in-law’s (Lyle E. Monette) business known as Brimfield Painting Contractors.

Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She enjoyed traveling, cross stitching, sewing, crocheting, knitting, bingo, NASCAR, and of course all New England sports teams, but especially the New England Patriots.  

Ruth is survived by her four children; Kathy (Ron) Windham of Trabuco Canyon, CA, Barbara (Mario) Basile of Three Rivers, MA, Dennis (Diane) Monette of Wales, MA, and Shirley Libiszewski of Palmer, MA, one remaining sister Audrey (Keith) Monette, seven granddaughters, Kristy, Jessica, Rachael, Stephanie, Shirley, Nicole and Lauren, as well as five great granddaughters and seven great grandsons, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband Felix Ernest Monette, longtime companion Harry C. Ryder, sisters Alice, Elsie, Marion, and brothers; George, Donald and David.

Ruth’s words of wisdom will always be with us.  Her gentle touch will always be felt. Her witty sense of humor will always be remembered, and her genes will forever remain through the generations she has created.

A service will be held at Beers and Story Funeral Home, 1475 Main Street, Palmer, MA on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to be held immediately following at St. Joseph’s Club, 8 Commercial Street, Thorndike, MA.