Ruth Elizabeth Hathaway passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2011 at the age of 78. Her children, reunited by her passing, were by her bedside at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center. There was an atmosphere of compassion and genuine caring and the family is sincerely grateful to the staff for their kindness. Ruth was born in her parents' bedroom in Highland, New Jersey on January 4th, 1933. She was the youngest child of Albert Leroy Hohwald and Mary Sophia (Gould) Hohwald. Ruth's life became one of caring for others. She became an R.N. and an advocate for those less fortunate and most importantly a devoted mother. She had an absolute unconditional love for her children. She also had a great sense of justice and compassion for people. It was her kindness to the world around her that she and Richard shared so well. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Hathaway on September 1st, 2005. She was also predeceased by her sister Laura Yingling. She is survived by her brothers Warren Hohwald, Gilbert Hohwald and his wife Wilma, by her sister Nancy Gibson, and her brother in-law Dean Yingling and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sons Peter Wires and David Hathaway and his partner, Monique Payne, and by her daughters Sarah Hathaway and Nancy Cunningham and her husband Jon and their three children, Larkin, Colby and Caroline. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Carol Delemos and her husband Edward and their children as well as her brother- in- law Walton Hathaway and his wife Peggy and their children. Ruth had an extended community around her which was like family including Gail Bradley and Joanne Brooking. They made it possible for Ruth to care for her family in the best way possible, especially as her Parkinson's Disease progressed. Ruth was a gentle and kind woman whose love and devotion continues on in the lives of her children and those who had the privilege to know her. A private family service will be held at the Friends Meeting House in Plainfield, VT. The family asks that any contributions in Ruth's name be made to the Plainfield Friends Meeting, PO Box 215, Plainfield, VT 05667 or to The Central Vermont Community Action Council Fuel Assistance Fund, 195 US Route 302-Berlin, Barre, VT 05641. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Ruth's obituary.