Ruth C. Quintin, 87, of Colchester, passed away on April 7, 2025 at the McClure Miller Respite House, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born in Fairfield, VT, on April 17, 1937. She graduated from Enosburg Falls High School in the Class of 1955.

After graduating, she moved to Burlington with her cousin Marie and began her career at New England Tel & Tel. She later worked for many years at Yankee Inventory Services before dedicating 30 years to the Colchester School District Food and Nutritional Services, where she retired at the age of 80.

She married the love of her life, Paul E. Quintin, on October 11, 1958, sharing 29 wonderful years of love and companionship before his passing.

Ruth grew up on the farm, where she was involved in 4-H and sugaring with horses. During the summers of her 15th and 16th years, she fondly recalled going to Connecticut to stay with her Aunt Edith and Uncle Poly where she worked in the tobacco fields.

Ruthie found immense joy in raising her children, Mark and Sara, alongside her beloved husband, Paul. Together, they shared a love for snowmobiling, watching races at Catamount Speedway, and camping as active members of the Wilderness Chapter #69 camping club. Ruthie had a passion for sewing, quilting, and a variety of crafts. She took great pleasure in feeding the birds that visited her yard, tending to her garden, and caring for her cherished pets. She treasured family gatherings, enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, and loved playing cards and board games. Comfort food was always a staple in her home, and no Christmas was complete without her beloved cranberry steamed pudding.

Ruthie was a dedicated member of the Colchester Grange #456 and the Vermont State Grange for over 65 years, serving in various offices. A devout Catholic, Ruthie was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Grace Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Ruthie was a compassionate and selfless person who dedicated her time to helping her community. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and she was always willing to lend a hand or share a warm smile.

Ruthie is survived by her son, Mark, and daughter, Sara. She is also survived by her sister, Arreta Boyd; her brother, Wendell Emch, and his wife, Bev; her sister-in-law, Cathy Emch; her sisters, Shirley Paradee, Jean Richard and her husband, Bubby, and Joan Myott and her husband, Allen. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul; her mother, Constance Cabana Emch; her siblings, Carol Greenwood and Ralph Emch; her brothers-in-law, Brad Paradee and Bruce Boyd; and all of her husband's siblings.

Ruthie's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of UVM Medical Center, Miller 5, McClure 4 ICU, and the McClure Miller Respite House for their compassionate care and support during her time with them.

Contributions in Ruthie's memory may be made to a charity of your choice, honoring her generous and compassionate spirit.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 14, from 4pm to 7pm at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Service, 132 Main St., Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, Colchester. Burial will be held later this spring at St. Luke Cemetery in Fairfax.