Ruth A. (Butterfield) Robinson

March 5, 2025

Ruth A. Robinson

 PETERSHAM- Ruth A. (Butterfield) Robinson passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday March 3, 2025, at the age of 97.

She was born on May 17, 1927, in Northbridge, MA to Vance L. and Doris (Clifford) Butterfield. She grew up in Westminster, MA and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1945. She continued her education at Clark University, graduating in 1948 in one of the first classes that enrolled women. While at Clark she played on the women’s basketball team.

She met her future husband Charles E. Robinson at weekly dances in the Templeton Grange Hall and other venues in the area. They were married in 1954 at the Westminster Congregational Church and enjoyed 49 years together until his death in 2003. During their retirement they enjoyed camping in their travel trailer throughout New England and Upstate New York. They also had a seasonal site at the Old Sawmill Campground in West Brookfield that they enjoyed immensely.

Following college, she shared her love of learning through a teaching career that spanned twenty-five years, which was interrupted to be a “stay at home” mom to raise her family. She began as a physical education teacher in Manchester, Maryland. Following her return to Massachusetts she was a teacher at the former Templeton High School where she taught English and Phys. Ed. where she coached two championship basketball teams as well as softball.  She returned to education at R. C. Mahar Regional High School in Orange teaching middle school geography, history and social studies. Many times, her teaching methods included fun ways to remember geographical facts. She retired from Mahar after 17 years in 1989. 

Ruth was active in the Town of Petersham serving as Town Clerk for 10 years. She also served on the Cemetery Commission, as a Trustee and Corporator of the Petersham Memorial Library and the Zoning Board of Appeals. She was also a member of the Petersham Historical Society. Ruth also served as one of the original “red phone” operators for the Fire Department prior to radio dispatching; answering the call for assistance and then telephoning the Firefighters to notify them of the call.

Additionally, she was an active member of the Orthodox Congregational Church holding many positions over the years, including Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Fair Chairperson, singing in the church choir and as the substitute organist. She continued to offer children’s messages up until she was 96 years young.

She was also an active member of the Petersham Grange #95 for 60 years, serving in various roles including as Master, Lecturer, Secretary and Pianist. She directed three Minstrel Shows for the Grange when they were raising money to build the new Grange Hall, now the Petersham Montessori School. She also directed several additional shows as fundraisers for various community organizations.

Not one for sitting around, after retiring, she soon volunteered a few mornings each week at the Regional Family Health Center in Barre, MA receiving recognition from the UMass Memorial Volunteer Department in 2019 for 30 years of service. She continued for another year until the volunteer program was shut down due to Covid.

In 2013, Ruth was honored by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women with the “Unsung Heroine Award” after being nominated by the Selectboard of Petersham.  She received the award at the Statehouse in Boston.

By accident, she became a weekly columnist for the Barre Gazette with “The Adventures of Gertrude the Cat”. She had submitted one story for the fun of it and the story was so well received that she continued writing each week until her health prevented her from continuing.

With the onset of Covid and despite the arthritis in her hands, she kept herself busy with crafts and sewing of some sort. She made many pillows, Christmas decorations and potholders for the church fairs and many quilts for family members over the years. She made over 40 crocheted rag rugs that were given away to family and friends, stopping only because her eyesight wouldn’t allow her to continue. These rugs and quilts are greatly treasured by the recipients.

Besides her parents and husband, Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Stuart Butterfield in 2024, a son-in-law John Tandy in 2002 and a granddaughter-in-law Amy O’Malley in 2024.

She is survived by her son, Dana Robinson (Jean) of Petersham, and daughter Susan Tandy Songer (Kent) of Phillipston. Two stepdaughters, Jane O’Malley Sardo of Central Islip, NY and Carol Symonds (Earl Taylor) of Harmony, North Carolina. Grandchildren: Matthew (Janelle) Robinson, Erin (Benjamin) Ghazali, Kyrra Nee, Robyn (Brian) Hartin, Peter (Nichole) O’Malley, Kevin (Diana) O’Malley, Stephen O’Malley, Glenn Nicholas and Deb (Greg) Williams. Great-grandchildren: Macie and Levi Robinson, Eve and Benjamin III Ghazali, Sophia and Zoey Nee, Logan and Gavin Hartin, Taylor (Luke) Bednar, Jami Daigle, Kate, Megan, Riley, Benjamin and Emma O’Malley and two great-great grandchildren Evelyn and Jennings Bednar with a third Syvia Bednar to be born in August. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of Flowers donations are suggested in Ruth’s memory to the Orthodox Congregational Church P. O.  Box 183, Petersham, MA 01366 for the Capital Improvement Fund or the Memorial Fund for the maintenance of the Church Organ.

Calling Hours will be held at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 5-7 p.m.                  

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Orthodox Congregational Church, 21 North Main Street, Petersham, MA 01366.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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