HAVERHILL: Ruth A. Youngblood, 99, wife of the late Franklin H. Youngblood, passed away peacefully September 7, 2023 at Penacook Place.

Born in Haverhill, MA on April 11, 1924, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Mabel (Pease) Franklin.

Ruth was educated in Merrimac and graduated from Merrimac High School. During WWll she was employed as a clerical worker for the U.S. Navy, and it was then that she met her future husband at a USO dance at the Franklin Square House in Boston.

Ruth dedicated herself and collaborated with her husband to establish their new business, Youngblood Plumbing & Heating, and worked as its bookkeeper for thirty-two years before retiring in 1982.

Being athletic and competitive, she enjoyed playing tennis at Cedardale until the age of eighty-two. Ruth was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church, its Bell Choir, Merry Martha service group, and Women's City Club of Haverhill. She and her husband's generosity were discreetly given to the church and its members over an extended period. For fifteen years Ruth faithfully cooked and served meals for Joyful Ladle at Trinity Episcopal Church. She valued the years of family time spent at their home on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The last of six children, Ruth is survived by her children, June Smart, and her husband Jay of Haverhill, David Youngblood, and his wife Mary of East Hampstead; grandchildren, Michelle Davis of FL, Tyler Youngblood of Boston; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Dorothy Quinney.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, September 20th from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill to be followed by a funeral service at 7:00pm. Interment at Locust Grove Cemetery in Merrimac will be private. Memorial donations in Ruth's name may be made to Joyful Ladle, 26 White St., Haverhill, MA 01830. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com.