Ruth B. Whitney
March 21, 1925 — April 7, 2014
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Ruth B. Whitney
Ruth was born on March 21, 1925 in Burlington, one of three children of the late Frederick Berg and Anna (Hoijman) Berg. She was raised in Burlington where she graduated from Burlington High School. In 1947, she married H. Alan Whitney and they settled in Reading to raise a family of five children.
Ruth, also known as "Bunky", worked for a short time at Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes in Boston as a bookkeeper; however, she was first and foremost a beloved wife and devoted mother. One of her many joys in life was simply being around her family and friends. Over the years, she looked forward to every birthday, holiday or gathering, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth was a very active 50-year member of the Old South United Methodist Church in Reading. She was involved with the local Reading food pantry, and was often spotted walking around Reading's downtown.
Ruth was an expert in needlework, and made numerous quilts and braided rugs that decorate her children's homes and will continue for years to come. A member of the Reading Society of Craftsman, she loved rug hooking, crocheting, and embroidery. In addition to needlework, she loved baking. She was most famous for her Swedish Coffee Rolls, and was also known for her homemade pies and homemade apple sauce which she enjoyed bringing to many family gatherings.
Throughout their lives, Ruth and Alan enjoyed traveling together, and she often and fondly recalled visiting all 50 states, and 10 European countries. Every year, they enjoyed spending summers together at the family camp in Acton, Maine.
Ruth was a devoted family woman who never complained, and never tired. She will be lovingly remembered as the Beloved wife of the late H. Alan Whitney with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Susan A. Whitney and her partner Pierre Fleurant of Arlington, Jeanne B. Spignese and her late husband John of Reading, Toby Whitney and his wife Karen of Reading, Cheryl A. Whitney of Melrose, and Jon C. Whitney and his wife Darlene of Reading. Dear sister of the late Frederick Eugene Berg, and Emma Thomas. Cherished grandmother of Jodi Russell and her husband Gregory of Marlborough, Brian Spignese and his wife Leigh of Burlington, Michael Spignese and his fiancé April Gillette of Reading, Matthew Spignese of Reading, Jenna Whitney of Austin, TX, Jessica Whitney of Somerville, Jonas Whitney of Reading, Jared Whitney of Reading, and Hannah Whitney of Reading. Loving great-grandmother of Owen and Liam Russell of Marlborough.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Ruth's life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Friday, April 11 from 4-8PM, and for her Funeral Service at the Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St., Reading celebrated on Saturday at 10AM. Gifts in Ruth's memory may be made to the Reading Scholarship Fund, c/o Alan Whitney Fund, PO Box 492, Reading MA 01867, or to the Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St., Reading MA 01867.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth B. Whitney, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, April 11, 2014
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Robinson Funeral Home
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Starts at 10:00 am
Old South United Methodist Church
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