Ruth Eleanor (Killam) Cottrell, a longtime Portsmouth resident, was born in Boston on Jan. 26, 1924, and passed away on Dec. 24, 2017. She was the wife of James F. Cottrell, mother of David, Donna, Lorrie, Janette and Jennifer; and mother-in-law of Jerry, Marie and Dave.

Ruth had six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, was the sister of Robert Killam (wife Marge) and her late twin Ruby (Killam) Spooner, and aunt to Lenny Spooner and his wife Sandy and their two children.

She grew up in Boston and attended Massachusetts Memorial School of Nursing. In 1943 she served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps at Camp Edwards, where she met her husband Jim.

Later she worked at Union Hospital (now Charlton) in the maternity ward.

Ruth enjoyed and babysat her grandchildren and also a number of neighborhood children.

Her favorite thing to do was take pictures.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.

Funeral arrangements were private.

Condolences and additional information at memorialfuneralhome.com.