Ruth E. Quinn

Ruth E. Quinn, 98, of Temple, passed away October 19, 2023, at Pheasant Wood Center, Peterborough, in the company of close family.

Ruth was born July 3, 1925, the only child of Charles H. and Vina (Roberts) Fish of Jaffrey. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Conant High School. In 1943 she married Albert A. Quinn of Temple, and following her husband's discharge from the Army, in 1945, the couple made their permanent home in Temple, where they raised their four children. In time, they were blessed with nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Ruth was active in numerous organizations in Temple and the greater Monadnock Region, including Miller Grange (Temple, lifetime member and past president), and the Order of the Eastern Star and was a 62-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She belonged to the Historical Society of Temple, the Congregational Church of Temple, and the Temple Ladies Aid Society, where she had served as president. 

Ruth began her 40-year+ nursing career at Monadnock Community Hospital, where she started as a young resident/student nurse during World War II. For many years she was a nurse in the maternity ward at MCH, and had many fond memories of assisting with the arrival and post-natal care of an army of baby boomers, and younger folk as well. Her gentle and attentive bedside manner was felt by infants and parents alike, and Ruth enjoyed many lifetime friendships formed during this time in her career.

Following her retirement from MCH, Ruth joined the staff of Scott-Fararr in Peterborough, NH as head cook. After a number of years at Scott-Fararr, she retired again and took a position at Van Otis Chocolates in Manchester, where she worked packing chocolates and other confections. Retiring again, at 83, she joined the newly formed local farmers market, where she sold baked goods and small quilted items. 

Of particular note was Ruth's cake-making/decorating expertise, which she utilized to create a cottage industry devoted to making cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and myriad special events. Further utilizing her cooking skills, Ruth baked her highly renowned dinner rolls year-round for various local suppers and events, and she also prepared meals and refreshments annually for election workers on voting day and town meeting in Temple and who can forget her famous cinnamon buns.

An accomplished seamstress/quilt-maker, she created and donated over 100 infant-size quilts for AIDS babies born in and around the Northeast, and it pleased her greatly to know that her quilts would bring comfort to so many young souls of troubled birth. Also, she made larger, often ornate, custom quilts that she sold or simply gave away. These heirloom quilts are still in use by family members and by many households around the Monadnock Region.

Ruth is survived by her three sons, David (and Betty) Quinn of Manchester, James (and Carolyn) Quinn of Temple, Paul Quinn of Temple and son-in-law Andrew Webber of Jaffrey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Albert A. Quinn, her daughter, Ruth Webber of Jaffrey, and her daughter-in-law, Donna Quinn of Temple. 

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, (Rte. 202) Jaffrey, NH 03452.

Funeral Services for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Congregational Church of Temple.   

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a donation in Ruth's name may do so by donating to the Temple Scholarship Fund, c/o Temple Town Treasurer, 423 NH Rte. 45, Temple, NH, 03084.