Bomoseen Ruth D. Maynard

A Native New Englander at heart, always

Ruth D. Maynard, 89, died Tuesday morning September 17, 2024 at her residence.

She was born July 17, 1935 in Providence Rhode Island the daughter of Arthur O. Christiansen and Mabel (Westberg) Christiansen.

People were so attracted to her for so many reasons – it was no wonder that she built such a large and strong community of close friends of all ages no matter where she lived. She was born a natural caregiver, not just in a physical sense, but in ways that helped so many feel calm, and at ease. Such a patient and gentle soul, being in her presence was soothing and joyful. She shared her joys and talents in life through her gift shop filled with her carefully crafted goods as well as at her home, creating eloquently designed bouquets of her home-grown flowers for all to enjoy. As a young woman, she had aspired to be a nurse, and although that path in life turned into raising a family instead, she cared for all as if they were her own. She cared for the land and all the creatures in it, especially the birds, which she loved to watch and feed so much. She lived her life in a way that showed respect and gratitude for the resources on earth and lived humbly and joyously with what she had. She didn't ask for much but gave so much to others whether that was emotional support, sharing life's lessons through her experiences, offering up vegetable, flower, and herbal garden tips, giving out the most delicious recipes, sharing her crafting knowledge, or just being present in a world that often forgets the little things that people need the most. Some of the hardships she experienced would have surely gotten the best of others- but not her. Her deep Scandinavian roots, will to survive and help those around her, along with her New England grit kept her strong through the particular emotional and physical challenges that she faced in her life up to the last days of her being on this plane. I don't think its likely that you will meet someone like her these days with such strong mental fortitude and authenticity who operates as selflessly as she did. She really liked to joke about how "tough" getting old was in her later years, but the way she tackled old age was almost as if she enjoyed the challenge of enduring and conquering whatever physical ailment she would have to face next. That attitude can only be felt by someone who has lived a full and fruitful life.

Survivors include her sister Joan Christiansen (CA), son David Maynard of Bomoseen, and granddaughters Amaryillis Maynard (OR) and Tashana Thompson (AZ)

She was predeceased by parents Aurthur and Mabel Christensen, sister Claire Anderson, daughter Kathy Maynard, and recently husband William.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ducharme Funeral Home.