HAVERHILL: Ruth L. (Saulnier) Gilford, 93, passed away on March 10, 2020 at Penacook Place surrounded by those she loved. She was the wife of the late Ernest A. Gilford to whom she was married for sixty-five years.
Born in Danvers, MA on September 18, 1926, she was the daughter of the late George and Mable (Harris) Saulnier.
Ruth was educated in Danvers and graduated from Essex County Agricultural School in 1946. In 1953 she and her husband moved to Groveland where they raised their six children. Ruth was a cafeteria worker at Pentucket Regional School, and then established her own home cleaning business serving many households in Groveland for twenty-five years. Ruth's strong faith was reinforced as an over fifty year member of Groveland Congregational Church where she volunteered at the church's thrift shop. Ruth's life was family centered and enjoyed sewing for her family, volunteering with the Girl Scouts, and as a camp counselor at Camp Sacajawea for many years. Her leisure time was spent reading, walking and spending time with her family.
Ruth is survived by her children, Joan Parah, wife of the late Jim Parah, of Haverhill; Mark Gilford and his wife Connie of Bradford; Jane O'Hara and her husband Tom of Seabrook, NH; Alan Gilford of Haverhill; Tracy Gilford of Groveland; Dan Gilford and longtime friend Ray Canto of Plaistow. Grandmother to Dawn Gilford Rossi of Belmont, MA; Shannon & Erin O'Hara of Seabrook, NH, Alexandria Gilford and Kyle Melucci, both of Bradford; Great Grandson, Charlie Rossi of Belmont, several nieces and nephews, two step grandchildren, four step great grandchildren and dear family friend Gretchen Hildebrandt. Ruth was predeceased by her siblings, Evelyn Saulnier Williams of Danvers; Mable Saulnier of Danvers, and Marion Saulnier Eastwood of Dover, NH.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, March 16th at 11:00am, at Riverview Cemetery in Groveland. Calling hours on Sunday, March 15th from 4:00 to 8:00pm, at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St., Groveland, MA 01834. Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com