Obituary of Ruth Elaine Reddig

Ruth Elaine Reddig, a retired Lahey Hospital and Medical Center employee, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Friday night, March 12, 2021.  She was 85 years old.  Ruth was born in Berlin, New Hampshire.  She was one of two daughters born to Gordon and Augusta Ryan.  She grew up and was educated in Gorham, New Hampshire.  She did not have the easiest childhood.  Her dad passed when she was 12 years old, and her mother died when she was 17 years old.  So, after graduating from Gorham High School, she and her friend Ann Richer left Gorham and moved to Boston seeking more opportunities.  She quickly took a position as an operator at New England Telephone.  She would meet her future husband, Franklin “Frank” Reddig, through mutual friends, and they eventually married in December of 1957.  They settled in Burlington in 1964 and had 3 sons.  She continued working at the Burlington Answering Service and then spent 25 years as an operator at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center before retiring in 2004.

Ruth was never a person who took anything for granted.  She had her challenges growing up, beat cancer, and dealt with losing her husband and vision loss for the last portion of her life.  But those challenges made her appreciate those around her and all the blessings she received during her lifetime.  She was the class comedian in high school, loved to have fun, cherished every moment with her family, made time to write poetry, shared her faith, and wanted to see the world.  She and her husband Frank made a wonderful couple.  They raised their sons, cherished their grandchildren, and went on countless adventures together, including several cruises. She supported her sons in their education, sports, activities, work, and life decisions.  She attended all their sporting events and even joined them at the park in pick-up basketball games.  She was always there for her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, and friends.  She had a kind heart, was a wonderful listener, was never judgmental, and was the person everyone went to confide in or look for guidance.  She encouraged her family to try new things, not to take the safe road, and appreciate the world and all your blessings.  She had her favorite expressions like “Travel and See the World”, “Educate your palate”, “This too shall pass”, and “A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck” that she used to encourage and comfort those she loved.  She was a longtime and active member of the United Church of Christ Church in Burlington.  It was a wonderful place to deepen and share her faith with others.  She shared her gifts with them but was also the recipient of an abundance of support and love as well.  She went on trips with her friends to Ireland, England, Italy, and other European destinations.  Ruth will be remembered for how she embraced life, how adversities made her stronger, more appreciative, and able to see the best in everyone, and, most importantly, how she loved and treasured her family and dear friends.

Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Franklin “Frank” Reddig.  She was the loving mother and mother-in-law of Thomas Carlson-Reddig & his wife Kelly of Charlotte, NC; Jeffrey Reddig & his wife Tirzah of Silver Spring, MD; and Daniel Reddig & his wife Teresa of Quincy.  She was the sister of the late Jean Boutilier.  She was the proud grandmother of Nathan & Zoe Reddig; Victoria & Catherine Reddig-Leiman; and Michael & Joseph Reddig.  She was a special aunt to Julie Nichols and Kathy Riggs of NC. She dearly loved her extended family on her husband’s side, including all the Reddigs, Powers, and Flannerys. She was grateful throughout life for cherished friends and, in the final years, for dear caregivers. Funeral services to be held at a future date.  Memorial donations may be made to the United Church of Christ Church, 6 Lexington Street, Burlington, MA 01803 http://uccburlington.org/giving