Ruth Sandra Abbott

Ruth (Ward) Abbott, 87 Ruth Sandra (Ward) Abbott passed away peacefully June 30, 2024, in Memorial Hospital, North Conway, with husband George at her bedside. Ruth was born July 29, 1936 in Memorial Hospital, North Conway, New Hampshire, to Everett and Dorothy (Coleman) Ward. She graduated from Bartlett High School and earned a degree in nursing at Central Maine School of Nursing in Lewiston, beginning her career at Memorial Hospital in 1957. In April of that year, Ruth married her high school sweetheart, George Abbott, who had enlisted in the US Air Force. They “honeymooned” in Monterrey, California where George was enrolled in the Defense Language School. George was soon transferred to Germany, where Ruth joined him, continuing her nursing career at Landstuhl US Army Hospital. Ruth and George continued their journey together raising their family and travelling throughout Europe eventually returning stateside to live in New York, Texas, Maryland, and back to Germany. In 1984, George and Ruth were assigned to a diplomatic tour with the US Embassy in Ottawa, Canada before retiring in 1990 back where it all began in New Hampshire. They bought a home on the Saco River in Center Conway that became the base for family reunions, holidays, ski trips and many taco parties and lobster feasts. Their children and grandchildren have countless cherished memories of staying with Ruth and George at their homestead of 33+ years on Applecroft Lane. Ruth was known for her compassion, her dedication to family and friends, her soft-hearted wit and sense of humor. She was a seasoned traveler, natural skier, generous hostess, talented artist, and a prolific genealogical researcher and family historian. Most of all, she and George loved being with their children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Ruth is survived by her husband of 67 years, George, her children Craig, Andrea (Phil), and Gary (Renee) and her grandchildren Kelsea (Peter), Shelby (Mitch), Chloe (Mac), and Jackson (Emily). Arrangements were made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremation services. Ruth’s family thanks Cheryl and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Hospital who kept Ruth comfortable and peaceful while in hospice care. Per Ruth’s wishes, no formal services will be held. A family celebration of life will be held later this summer.