WESTFIELD: Ruth E. Witherell, 99, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Genesis Westfield Center Nursing home. She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ethel (Rhoades) Dodge of Chesterfield and spent the first eighteen years of her life in that town. Ruth graduated from Williamsburg High school in 1940. She married Charles E. Witherell in 1941 and predeceased Ruth in 1987. The couple lived in Orange for twelve years where their three children were born. While there Ruth was employed by The Office of Price Administration and engaged in many local activities including the Women’s Club, church groups, scouting and the 4-H club. The family moved to Westfield in 1958. Ruth has been a member of First Congregational Church for more than 60 years, serving on various committees and was a Sunday school teacher. She was employed by Decorated Products Co. and enjoyed working in the Art Department as a graphic artist for twenty years. Knitting was one of her hobbies, and she made an afghan for every family member and several friends. She enjoyed making holiday dinner for the family and entertaining her friends in her home. She was an avid reader and watched all the Red Sox baseball games on TV.
Ruth was also predeceased by brothers Elliot and William Dodge and sister Dorothy Roberts and is survived by her sister Virginia Kirk of Oregon. She leaves behind her children Peter C. Witherell (Beatriz) of Durham, N.C., Richard W. Witherell (Barbara) of Westfield, and Lin Witherell of Westfield. She also leaves her grandchildren, Tina Paulsen, Phil Witherell, Melissa Witherell, Jami Witherell, Brett Witherell, Brendan Witherell, and Nicholas Witherell. Her eight great-grandchildren Natalie Paulsen, Nicholas Paulsen, Cora Witherell, Aidan Witherell, Sam Witherell, Logan Witherell, Arianna Witherell and Brynn Witherell.
The funeral for Ruth will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 11AM in Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA. Calling hours will precede the service from 10-11AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield. Donations in Ruth’s name can be made to the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., Westfield, MA. www.firtionadams.com
