Ruth Billetter, 87, of Lenox died Oct. 9, 2019.

Born Nov. 29, 1931, Ruth was an amazingly loving mother and grandmother, dedicated wife and dear friend to many. She grew up during the Depression in Athens, New York, with her sister Pat, brother Jim and hard-working parents Gladys and Maurice Paddock. She obtained a degree in education from SUNY Cobleskill, which blossomed into a lifelong passion for teaching.

On March 21, 1954, she met a handsome sailor home on leave at a square dance and thus began true love. Letters were exchanged from ship to shore and they were married Oct. 15, 1955, and nurtured a union of love and dedication lasting a lifetime and beyond — a rare and treasured gift. She lived a life centered in love and faith. She found true joy in the service of others, from creating delicious meals to serving her community, Lenox schools, and Trinity and St. Helena’s churches. She adored nature and all God’s creatures, interacting in such ways as hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, gardening and birding. She enjoyed swimming, and dancing with her sweetie (they were active in dance club for many years) and most of all, family. She will be forever loved and live on in the hearts of those she touched.

She is survived by daughter Christie Billetter-Brown and husband Chris; son Matt Billetter and wife Sharon; grandchildren Orion, Kareen, Jacob and Brayden; and many nieces, nephews and true lifelong friends. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Richard.

The funeral Mass for Mrs. Ruth Billetter will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church in Lenox with Rev. Michael Tuck officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. Donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to either UNICEF or Audubon Society, both in care of the funeral home. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.