Ruth H. (Crewe) Cobb, 89, of Keene, NH died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 16, 2024. Ruth was born on June 21, 1934, in Franklin, NH to the late Emma (Densmore) and John Crewe. As a teenager, she joined the Hardy Hill 4-H Club in Lebanon, NH where she met her future husband, Wesley Cobb, also of Lebanon. They were wed in Lebanon in 1956 and were happily married for 67 years.
Ruth and Wes moved to Newmarket, NH while he attended UNH. She worked as a waitress until the first of four daughters was born in Manchester, NH, and then she became a full-time homemaker. The family moved back and forth between Keene and Manchester until they settled in Keene in 1967. Ruth volunteered at her children’s elementary school and with the Girl Scouts as a Brownie leader. After her youngest child reached high school Ruth worked for the US government as a test proctor for military admissions for 14 years.
In 1972, Ruth and Wes started the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club in Keene, which earned many awards. She taught countless youth to cook, sew and craft. Ruth and Wes were involved in Cheshire County 4-H activities including the Cheshire Fair where Ruth was a project judge and helped run the 4-H Food booth. Ruth guided 4-H members in numerous community service projects. Ruth and Wes hosted children from New York City through the Fresh Air Fund and from Japan through the 4-H program. In 1980, the Cobb family was awarded the Cheshire County 4-H Family of the Year. Ruth was awarded the 4-H Volunteer of the Year in 1985 and 2001. The impact Ruth had was wide and lasting.
Ruth was the ultimate homemaker, a talented seamstress, and a wonderful cook. She preserved fruits and vegetables that were harvested from the family garden; she sewed clothing for her daughters and grandchildren; and she knit hundreds of hats and mittens. Later, she made quilts for all her children and grandchildren.
The family enjoyed many camping trips when the children were young. Later, Ruth and Wes loved to travel in their RV and eventually visited every state except Hawaii. Ruth and Wes also traveled to Japan and visited with the exchange students that they had hosted years before.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Wesley J. Cobb of Keene; four daughters: Susan Jenna and her husband Rex of Warner, NH; Dianna Leach and her husband Guy of Westford, VT.; Sarah Cobb and her partner Kathleen Williams of Keene; and Cathy Beauregard and her husband Steven of Cypress, TX; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; sister Shirley Cobb of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and four sisters, Myrna Crewe, Florence Malcher, Maureen Calkins, and Roberta Malcher.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on March 25, 2024 at the Cheshire Family Funeral Home at 44 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cheshire County 4-H, of Keene, NH in memory of Ruth Cobb (checks can be sent to Cheshire County 4-H, Attn: Diane DuGray 12 Court St. Keene NH 03431) Ph. # 603-352-4550. Or to Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services (www.HCServices.org).
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, Keene www.cheshirefamilyfh.com
