Ruth G. Maynard
November 6, 1930 – October 18, 2017
Ruth G. Maynard, age 86, of Wilmington, DE, and formerly of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, after complications from pneumonia.
Born on November 6, 1930 in Melrose, Massachusetts to the late Fred and Ruth Goldthwait, Ruth was the youngest of 5 girls. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, sister and friend. She was married to the love of her life for 65 years, having met Dan at her first freshman dance at the University of New Hampshire. She graduated from UNH with honors where she had been elected to Mortar Board, President’s Council, and Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. Ruth was a president of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and secretary of her class. Over the last 60 years, she wrote her class letter for the UNH magazine. Ruth worked as a social worker in both Minnesota and Delaware. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and worked as a crossing guard for many years, always a cheery presence for local school children. Having overcome agoraphobia, Ruth proudly mentored others afflicted with the disorder.
Ruth had a zest for life and always saw the best in everyone. She had a strong faith in God and in other people. She was generous with her time, her love and her brownies. Ruth had a warm smile and an infectious laugh that would make everyone feel loved. Her favorite hobby was spoiling her grandchildren. Ruth’s happy place was sitting on the dock at Pine Needles on Lake Winnipesaukee. She called it God’s country. She was an incredible lady who touched all of us.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel B. Maynard; her loving children, Daniel B. Maynard, Jr. (Barbara) and Kristine L. Maynard; as well as her three grandchildren, Daniel Maynard, Suzy Betts and Abby Betts. She is also survived by her older sister, Lucy. She is predeceased by her parents and three sisters.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 Noon until 1 pm on Friday afternoon, October 27, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, 292 West Main Street, Newark, DE, where a celebration of life will begin at 1 pm, followed by a reception. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruth’s honor may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 106, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Below is a link to an article about Ruth that she did with the University of New Hampshire, about the power of reaching out and helping those who suffer from agoraphobia.
Susan Zeager
What a beautiful life your mother led! As I read this tribute I could picture Ruth at her freshman dance, organizing sorority (my mom’s same one!) events, family times on the lake and helping the school kids cross safely. She was a great lady; you have honored her well. Much love and condolences to you and your family.
John Green
Loved her brownies, and if she didn’t bake those there were always blueberry muffins.
What a happy cheerful lady.
You did well Dan.
Sorry for your loss
Jeannine Solak Rouleau
I have always been impressed with the love that your family shares. Ruth was the center. She was a wonderful lady who will be so missed and remembered fondly. I send love and prayers.
Elizabeth Reading
My Mom Bette Pierce and Ruth were friends for .many years until my Mom.passed in 2002. My Mom would often stop by her house for a chat and a cup of tea. Lived in same Development and belonged to same Church. Her Son Danny and my Brother Bill Reading were good friends.. When Bill passed in 1987 Danny and Barbara came to his funeral in Georgia. Ruth was always a friendly.person and loved her job as a crossing guard . Now my Mom and Ruth are renewing there friendship over a cup of tea. When Ruth would go on vacation we would always get a.post card from her say I g she was having a great time .
Kim Simone
From the minute we all came in contact with Ruthie in an Angel chat room way back when that was “the thing”,we all fell in love with “Rutie” as alot of us called her. She never had a harsh word for anyone, she loved all that was near and dear to her, even those with four feet.While hanging with us girls she would often be baking her blueberry muffins..She was so in engrossed in a conversation one evening she accidentally took the dogs worm medicine….we never let her live it down..,lol. And she loved what we referred to as sandbox conversations, where we all took on the persona of three year olds. But all kidding aside she had her troubles in her life and was strong enough to conquer them and help others any way she could. Her love of life was infectious, those around her will never forget her warmth and compassion. I had the pleasure of her online friends to have actually met her in person, I have a severely handicapped son and she and Dan came to Dupont hospital to meet with me, it was something I will cherish forever. I think I speak for the entire angel family, she will be missed, we won’t be the same, she joins Gizzy and Happy in heaven. So I end my thoughts as I ended our conversations so many times over the years…..Niters Rutie….poof.
Judith Smyser
Ruthie became a customer of our pharmacy many years ago. We became friends and I will cherish her friendship for ever. I am saddened by her passing and will miss her late night messages on face book. I am grateful for the time we shared and her kind words. I know in my heart that her family will continue to share her great enthusiasm or life and love and kindness….Peace to her family I am honored to have her for a friend.
Dana Anderson
To the Maynard family – I think of the wonderful Maynard family frequently and am so sad to hear of Ruth’s passing. Perhaps my mother is joining Ruth and Mrs. Reading for tea (although Mom would be drinking coffee…). Which reminds me, my parents would be so disappointed that I did not keep in touch with the Maynards over the years – I was definitely “raised better”. I am not surprised to learn that Ruth was a social worker – she was my mother’s best friend and I always looked up to her. My thoughts are with all of you.
With love, Dana
Jean Hemmer
Ruth was a very special lady who will be greatly missed. We met several years ago at the Newark Senior Center swimming pool and immediately became good friends. I will miss all of our talks and laughter.
My deepest sympathy to her family. She loved you all so much.
Kyle Rowlands
I will always remember the smiling face that greeted me as I walked home from school each day. She was such a kind and loving person who made all the kids feel special. Our deepest condolences. The world is a sadder place without her.
The Rowlands Family
Ann Hutchison
The joy of her smile was always special and given to each child as we crossed “her” street.
Peace beyond understanding to the Maynard family.
Jennifer Saunders
I had the absolute privilege of working with Ruthie over the past two years as she contributed her monthly column of Class Notes to the UNH Magazine. Ruthie’s wit, warmth, kindness, and wonderful spirit were a gift, and although I only had the opportunity of getting to know Ruthie through phone calls and emails, I will never forget her. To Dan, her children, grandchildren, and family, please accept my deepest sympathies. She was truly a wonderful person.
Dave Fleck
Dear Dan, Dan, Jr. and Kristine,
I wrote my memory of Aunt Ruth on the condolence link. I also want you to know I realize how hard it is to lose the mother of your family. I’ve been thinking about and praying for the three of you and the Maynard family since I heard the news and talked to Dan, Jr.. She was such a good and special women. She was filled with the holy spirit. I’m sure God has glorious plans for her in heaven. God bless you all.
Love, Dave & Debbie
Kathy
We moved into the neighborhood 40 years ago. We met Ruth when she was walking around the block. She was so friendly and kind.