Ruth E. (Finger) Kimball

HOLDEN - Ruth E. (Finger) Kimball, 100, of Holden, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester, MA after a short illness. She was born in Antigo, Wisconsin, on June 28, 1923, daughter of Otto and Elsie (Kuehn) Finger, and had been a resident of Holden for many years, living on her own, independently, until the last nine days of her life.

Ruth occupies a precious place in the hearts of all those who have known her. She is not only loved by many; throughout her life she also shared her compassionate love with so many others, from babies and young people to those who were marginalized, ill, elderly, or dying. She unconditionally loved the natural world, too-its forests, oceans, wildlife, the "heart rocks" she collected, and the houseplants she devotedly nurtured in her home. Until the end of her long and meaningful life, she had a sharp mind and strong body and was ever eager to discuss current events, the latest book, her evolving spirituality, and boundless faith. An avid reader and life-long learner, with wisdom well beyond her 100 years, she remained young at heart, always ready to make new friends of all ages, as well as staying in close touch with friends and family, near and far. She loved to cook and was always eager to try new recipes to excitedly share with others. Butternut squash soup one of her specialties.

Besides raising her family, Ruth worked in various capacities, including child daycare provider, nurse's aide, Catholic Christian Doctrine teacher, Catholic Charities outreach worker, and nursing home activities director, hospice volunteer, and senior center exercise class leader. For many years, she served as a highly praised lector at St. George's Church in Holden and also at the Assumption University Chapel in Worcester. Into her late 90s, she was a switchboard operator at Assumption University, beloved by students, employees, and anyone else who was fortunate enough to meet her.

Ruth leaves three children, Danielle Kimball of Valdese, NC; Suzan Sullivan of Boscawen, NH; and Michael "Joey" Kimball, of Fort Collins, CO. In addition, she leaves six grandchildren, Conor and Liam Kimball, Joel Robinson, Terri Ledford, Trish Laros, and David Breault as well as five great-grandchildren, Tabitha Dabkoswki, Kristina and Shaun Lareau, and Liam and Lucien Breault, and two great-great-grandchildren, Vivienne, and Nola Dabkowski. Special mention must be made of Ruth's beloved granddaughter-by-marriage, Tanya Robinson, of Keene, NH, who became her trusted friend, confidant, and caregiver during the later years of Ruth's life.

Ruth was deeply inspired by recent scientific discoveries showing how trees are dependent upon and care for one another. The following quotation by the forest ecologist, Suzanne Simard in her book, Finding the Mother Tree, captures the essence of Ruth's wisdom and legacy:

"When Mother Trees-the majestic hubs at the center of forest communication, protection, and sentience-die, they pass their wisdom to their kin, generation after generation, sharing the knowledge of what helps and what harms...and how to adapt and survive in an ever-changing landscape. It's what all parents do."

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2 PM, at the Assumption University Chapel located at 560 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's name to The Mother Tree Project https://give.ubc.ca/projects/the-mother-tree-project/

To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit Ruth's Tribute Wall on this page.