Fiskdale: Ruth Ann (Brown) Hamilton, 81, passed away at her home in Fiskdale on, Thursday, July 13th, after a long illness.

A devoted wife, mother and Catholic, Ruth lived a blessed and faithful life full of love and laughter.

She was born on August 30, 1941, in Fort Edward, NY to Steve and Dorothy Brown. Ruth was the beloved wife of Donald Hamilton, her best friend and sweetheart for 61 years since being married on August 19, 1962.  They lived in Tulsa, OK for several years where they raised six children:  Julie Boutilier and her husband Jim of Baldwinsville NY; Janine Ferguson and her husband James of Tulsa, OK; Marc Hamilton and his wife Natalie of Fountain Valley, CA; Matt  Hamilton and his wife Kirstin of Keller, TX; Jennifer Day and her husband Chris of Wake Forest, NC and Jami Wiseman and her husband Kevin of Sapulpa, OK.  She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren:  Jordyn, Jackie, Jenna, Patrick, Devon, Jack, Sydney, Ben, Tanner, Corrynne, Alex and Jacob;  her brothers Jim Brown and his wife Joanne of San Antonio, TX and Bill Brown and his wife Barb of Fort Edward, NY.  She was preceded in death by parents Steve and Dorothy (Butler) Brown and her younger brother Don Brown and his wife Mela.

She worked for many years in financial aid services for Spartan School of Aeronautics and Job Corps.  She and Don moved to Fiskdale in 2000 where she retired from Job Corps in 2007.  She was an active member of the St. Anne – St Patrick Parish, served as President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, member of Lay Assumptionists, a regular reader at mass and a food bank volunteer.  Ruth was also a strong advocate for the sanctity of life, particularly for unborn children.

Her faith and devotion to God was essential throughout her life as was her love for her beloved family.  Her greatest pleasures in life were travelling, attending her children's and grandchildren's events, baking her famous apple crumb pie, playing cards and board games with her family!  She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed the occasional game of golf.  She loved the snow and delighted in the first storm of the season.

Ruth's smile and positive countenance were consistent and contagious.   You always felt better after a conversation with her.  Her beautiful personality will be missed by all who know her.

The family would like to thank the many friends and St. Anne's parish members who offered support over the past several months.   Special thanks to the Overlook Hospice staff, nurses and aides who tended to us with exceptional care and compassion.

Ruth's funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 19th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Anne's Church, 16 Church St., Fiskdale.  Burial will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Fiskdale.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, July 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Society, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale, MA 01518.