Ruth Lightfoot

Ruth (Wanless) Lightfoot, 94, of Chester, died December 14 at Essex Meadows Medical Unit in Essex. She was the widow of John Ballantine Lightfoot.

She was the mother of James Lightfoot of New London, N.H., a former long-time employee of The Newtown Bee.

Mrs Lightfoot was born in 1905 in Duluth, Minn., daughter of the late James and Lily Gordon (Hardy) Wanless.

She attended Duluth schools and was a graduate of Rosemary Hall School in Greenwich and Smith College in Northampton, Mass.

She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Episcopal Church, the Junior League, Visiting Nurses Association, Literacy Volunteers and Smith College. She also served as a member of State Board of Visiting Nurses Association. She was a resident of Woodbury for 35 years and also lived in Orange for 18 years, before moving to Chester Village West in 1991.

She leaves three other sons, John Lightfoot of New London, N.H., Richard Lightfoot of Lyme and Donald Lightfoot of Nashua, N.H.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at the family’s convenience. Burial was in Duluth, Minn.

Arrangements were by Swan Funeral Home, 211 Main Street, Deep River.

Contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The Newtown Bee         January 7, 2000