| Ruth G. Stimson HAMPTON - Ruth G. Stimson, 84, died Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at her home. She was born Nov. 17, 1919, in Dover, the only child of Raymond E. and Pauline Sumner (Howard) Stimson. She was a 1936 graduate of Dover High School and held a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, and was awarded a bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1940. Her first career move was teaching home economics in Colebrook. In 1942 she was invited to fill a temporary position at the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Home Economist for Rockingham County, which subsequently became a permanent appointment. She served in this capacity for 40 years, retiring in 1982 with the title of University of New Hampshire Extension Educator, Emerita. Miss Stimson’s professional recognition include the 1978 United States Department of Agriculture Superior Service Award. She was one of eight to be recognized nationally for her work in developing a Community Action Program for Mosquito Abatement, a model for adoption nationwide. She was the instigator of the Mosquito Control Program through Hampton Town Meeting action. In 1973, she was recognized nationally by her peers when she was one of eight Extension Home Economists to receive the Florence Hall Award from the National Association of Extension Home Economists for her development of a Solid Waste Disposal Project for towns in New Hampshire. It was one of the earliest efforts of recycling, which continues nationwide to this day. She was a skilled craftsman, sharing her arts and crafts abilities in both her professional capacity and as a private citizen. She was instrumental in founding the Rockingham Craftsmen and was an active member of the organization. Many remember her New Hampshire post card design featuring the purple finch, purple lilac and the Old Man of the Mountain. She also developed a comprehensive resource book called "Christmas Throughout the World." For her untiring concern for the involvement in environmental issues and gardening, fellow citizens recognized her in a way that was dear to her heart. A small, intimate oceanside park on her beloved Seacoast in Rye, The Ruth G. Stimson Park, is a permanent acknowledgement of her lifelong efforts. Miss Stimson’s many contributions include serving in several capacities for the Lane Memorial Library, membership in the Hampton Garden Club and the Historical Society, and serving on the board of the Seacoast Visiting Nurse Association, North Hampton and the town Shade Tree and Salt Marsh Conservation committees. She served for many years as a honorary adviser to Camp Anita, which was established in the 1930s as a life enrichment program to provide women in Rockingham County the opportunity to spend a week camping together at Hampton Beach. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and member of the First Congregational Church of Hampton. She served as a Girl Scout leader in Stafford County and belonged to the University of New Hampshire Alumni Association. She donated her father’s extensive collection of antique farm tools to the N.H. Farm Museum in Milton. Her retirement years were busy and of continued educational and community value. She was a frequent speaker throughout Southern New Hampshire. Her personally researched historical topics were much in demand. She developed many slide programs, the latest one on the history of churches in the state. Other topics were the White Mountains, Notches of the White Mountains, New Hampshire covered bridges and their builders, and post Civil War boarding houses. An inveterate Yankee saver with a keen sense for detail Ruth’s comprehensive historical records of the 40 years she spent in Cooperative Extension Service are invaluable and include photographs, newspaper accounts, yearly program plans, annual reports and project plans. Her scope extended beyond Rockingham County Home Economics encompassing much statewide history of 4-H, agriculture and community development. The records are carefully annotated with names and dates. Much has already been deposited in the UNH Dimond Library special collection there. It may be one of the only records in the United States of such scope, cataloging this unique educational outreach of the Land Grant College system. There are no known survivors. Private interment will be in the Meadowview Cemetery, Amherst. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. Memorial donations may be made to the Ruth G. Stimson Community Outreach
Fund c/o University of New Hampshire Foundation, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham,
NH 03824. |