Ruth Wilder Gillespie, died on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at her home in Collinsville. She was 95 years old. Ruthie, as she was known to her family and friends, was the daughter of the late Edwin and Nellie (Pike) Wilder, and a lifelong resident of Collinsville. A homemaker, an avid reader, and an expert on local wildlife and flora, she volunteered at Roaring Brook Nature Center, and in the 1960s wrote a humor column for the Farmington Valley Herald on family life.
Ruthie goes to greet her beloved husband, of 65 years, Robert, her sister, Lois Pelczar, and all her Wilder brothers, as well as a nephew, a niece, a granddaughter, and her last cat, Callie. She leaves behind 5 grateful children and their spouses: Virginia Slauson of Fort Collins, CO, Stephen and his wife Lillian of Manassas, VA, Loie Strait of Denver, CO, Janet and her husband Steve Greene of New York, NY, and David and his wife Elena Booth of Providence, RI, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
Special thanks to her niece Barbara Hurley for a lifetime of loving care, and to her neighbor Karl Dineberg, who helped watch over her in her final years. Ruthie had a rare ability to make friends and will be greatly missed. Rest now, Ruthie. Sleep in peace.
At her request, there will be no calling hours or funeral, but the family extends an open invitation to gather at her home, 8 Birch Knoll Road in Collinsville on Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 2 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Animal Friends of Connecticut, PO Box 370306, West Hartford, CT 06137-0306. Please visit Ruth’s Book of Memories at, www.vincentfuneralhome.com.