Ruth Hathaway Manchester, lifelong resident of Tiverton, Rhode Island passed away peacefully at “Marshwinds”, the home her father built for a growing family, on June 26th, 2020. She was born to Asa Hathaway and Mary Schlegel Hathaway on September 10th, 1921 ~ the middle child of what would become five total siblings.  She was an avid student throughout her elementary school years in Tiverton, in Fall River at B.M.C. Durfee High, and at Rhode Island College of Education. Passing along that love of learning would become her life’s career, which she would enjoyably undertake with colleagues at her own former Nonquit School. She retired in 1981, a full 38 years, later along with her husband Andrew, a World War II Army veteran who was also a dedicated teacher of middle school youth. Together they helped launch two generations of Tiverton students into their own high school experience and would remain deeply proud of all their graduates.

Ruth was a life-long participant of Amicable Congregational Church ~ baptized there, confirmed in 1934, and married in that sanctuary to her husband of almost 50 years. She was a charter member of its Social Club, would both and teach in and then Superintend the Sunday School ~ meanwhile chairing the monthly Saturday night dinners which were enjoyed by patrons throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. For nearly 20 years she served as Amicable’s recording secretary.   Having grown up in a farming family, as did many of her contemporaries in Tiverton at the time, Ruth was also a third generation Member of the Nonquit Grange, serving several terms as its Lady Assistant Steward, Chaplain, and Master.

She loved the outdoor activities which rural life offered her:  bicycle riding in spring, and autumn, winter walks and summer swims. When the increasing traffic on Main Road and her own increasing age made biking no longer safe, she specialized in walking with Mother Nature in mind, picking up litter on the roadside verges, on the beach ~ joining in the work of both the Audubon Society and the Tiverton Land Trust.

She behaved as she believed ~ as a dedicated teacher, a trusty neighbor, a beloved family member,   an active citizen,  and a lifelong person of faith. She knew how to “bloom where she was planted” yet also loved to travel around America with her husband Andrew when school vacation time allowed, to Florida for winter visits to her retired sisters. Other favorite trips included the National Parks, Niagara Falls and a Mississippi River Cruise. She looked with appreciation to the past and with hope toward the future, educated the young, took care of the aged, hosted lovely parties and kept track of everyone’s birthday. Then, when all her work was done, her final wish was granted. She was able to die peacefully at her home, still reaching forward ~ for reunions to come ~ on June 26th, 2020. 

Memorial services were held for Ruth at Amicable Church on September 10th, 2021, ~ which would have been her 100th birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband Andrew Manchester, her parents Asa and Mary Hathaway and  all their generation;  her siblings ~  Margaret Boomer,  Mary Kathryn Cressy, Roswell Hathaway, Norma Stewart, and her later-in-life sweetheart,  Romolo Del Deo.    She is survived by her loving and proud nieces and nephews ~ Roswell Hathaway Jr.    Roger Boomer, Judith Day, Leslie Simonson, Charles Cressy the 3rd, Connie Cimler, Carol Herrin, Warren Cressy, Karen Carrozza,  Kirsten Van Dijk ~ their children,  and their children’s children. 

In Ruth’s remembrance, memorial donations may be made to Amicable Congregational Church    3736 Main Road, Tiverton Four Corners RI 02878.