Sturbridge: Ruth E. (Sheldon) Hapgood, 93, formerly of Steeple View, Sturbridge, passed away on Thursday, March 5 ^th , in the Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, after an illness.

Her husband of 64 years, Alfred Hapgood, passed away in 2011.  She leaves her two sons, Paul Hapgood and his wife Ann of Wilbraham and Peter Hapgood and his wife Susan of the Villages, FL; her four grandchildren, Scott Hapgood and his wife Rachel of Wilbraham, Carrie Rigney and her husband John of Wilbraham, Gabe Simonelli of San Diego, CA and Jesslyn Thrasher and her husband Alan of Wilbraham; nine great grandchildren, Brandon Hapgood, Taylor Hapgood, Cole Rigney, Camden Rigney, Gavin Rigney, Dean Simonelli, Jake Simonelli, Riley Thrasher and Luke Thrasher; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her three brothers, Clare Sheldon, Edward Sheldon and Willard Sheldon and her two sisters, Katherine Gay and Lona Anderson.  Ruth was born in Brookfield the daughter of Edgar and Bertha (Cole) Sheldon.

Ruth was very artistic and had a great talent for making crafts such as Nantucket baskets or painting with oils.  She enjoyed several years of volunteering her time at the Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge.  She also enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member at the Cohasse Country Club in Southbridge.  Most of all Ruth's greatest joy in life was caring for and spending time with her family.

Ruth's funeral services and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, West Brookfield, will be private.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.