RUTH A. LADERMAN (SYKES)

     Ruth A. (Sykes) Laderman, 86, of Spencer, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side on December 21, 2016.

Ruth was born in Mattapoisett, the youngest of eight children born to William and Margaret (MacKenzie) Sykes. She leaves a sister, Helen S. Watling of Cincinnati, OH. Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Arvid J. Laderman; her brothers, William Jr. and Donald A. Sykes, her sisters, Mary A. Warren, Margaret A. McGourty and Alice E. Killion. Another brother, Charles A. Sykes, died in infancy.

Ruth leaves her beloved nieces, Janet K. Ewick and Lorinda A. Killion, both of Holden. She also leaves three generations of loving nieces and nephews, and such true friends that she considered them as family.

Ruth graduated from the former Classical High School, and worked in public relations for State Mutual Life Assurance Company (later Hanover Insurance) for over 40 years, retiring in 1988.  For many of those years, Ruth was “the face and voice of State Mutual”, serving as phone receptionist and greeter in the main lobby of the Lincoln Street home office.  After retirement, Ruth continued her passion for interaction with the public by volunteering her services at the information desk of Memorial Hospital.

Ruth’s personal legacy will be her style and grace, and her genuine interest in and caring for others.  She was the quintessential ‘people person’ all her life. One of her greatest pleasures was making a connection with everyone she met, no matter how brief the acquaintance. She had a way of making everyone feel special.

Ruth and her beloved husband Arvid were inseparable, even to the day they entered the Beaumont at University Campus nursing home together in September of 2016. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary there on October 8, and they were holding hands when Arvie passed away on November 20, 2016. Theirs was a love for the ages, and they will truly remain “together forever”.

To honor of Ruth and Arvie’s wishes, a joint Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays at the family’s convenience. Interment will be in the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choosing. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Directors, 1158 Main Street, Holden.