Ruth Todt Gates, age 97 of Bedford, formerly of Belmont, died June 13, 2012 at Carlton-Willard Village. She was married for 67 years to Ralph B. Gates who died on June 24, 2006.

Ruth was born in Springfield, MA on February 17, 1915. She was a graduate of Mass State College in 1937 and worked as a reference librarian at the Memorial Square Branch Library in Springfield, MA, from 1937 - 1939. She volunteered at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, for 39 years and was secretary of the Coffee Shop Committee.

Ruth and her husband were active members of First Church Congregational in Cambridge for 40 years.

For many years, she and her husband were members of the MA Corporation for Kern Hattin Homes, a residential home and school for at risk children throughout the Northeast. As corporators they were involved in fundraising and increasing awareness of the School.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed cooking, sewing, hooking rugs, playing the piano, growing African violets and most of all hosting family gatherings.

Ruth is survived by two daughters: Elizabeth and husband Henry Horn, Judith and husband Richard Curless, one son: Richard and wife Deborah Gates, seven grandchildren: Jennifer Horn, Eric Horn and wife Allison, Barbara Carter and husband John, Susan Curless, Max Gates, Katherine Kullberg and husband Gregory, Joshua Gates, and also by her brother, Frederick Todt of Metairie, LA.

The family would like to thank the staff of Carleton-Willard Village and Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston for their professional and loving care and their emotional and spiritual support.

Memorial Service will be held at Carleton-Willard Village, 100 Old Billerica Road, Bedford, MA, 01730 on July 10, 2012, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Kurn Hattin Homes
P O Box 127
708 Kern Hattin Road
Westminster, VT 05158