UNH Cooperative Extension lost a long-time supporter and advocate last Friday when Ruth Kimball of Epsom died, surrounded by family, at Pleasant View Center in Concord.

Ruth was a homemaker and farmer's wife. Together with her late husband, she owned New Orchard Farm. Ruth dedicated her life to her family and serving the community.

Ruth started the Victory Workers 4-H Club in Pittsfield in 1942 and recently celebrated 67 years as organizational leader. In September, 2008, a ceremony was held at Hopkinton Fair renaming a building the Ruth H. Kimball 4-H Exhibit Hall to recognize her long-time support of the fair.

Ruth had many accomplishments over the years including the 4-H Alumnae Award, Pittsfield Citizen of the Year 1973, Merrimack County Governor's Award for Volunteerism, Farm Bureau Young Farmer's Award, The Granite State Award from the UNH in 1992, the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, National 4-H Hall of Fame 2002, and most recently, the prestigious Friend of 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire award. The photo at the right shows Ruth with me at a 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire annual meeting.

Also, in 1990, the Ruth Kimball Endowment Fund of the 4-H Foundation of NH was established as a lasting legacy to Ruth's dedication to the 4-H Program. Affectionately known as Gram to both adults and children, she had a very deep commitment to 4-H, exemplified in her motto, which was "I'll be glad to."

A celebration of Ruth's life was held Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield. The family requested donations may be made in her memory to the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire, Ruth Kimball Endowment Fund, Moiles House, 180 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824.