Ruth L. (Brooks) Ferschke

Ruth L. (Brooks) Ferschke died Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at her "Happy Place", with her children beside her.  Ruth was born July 26, 1947, in Norwood, to the late Frederick and Alice (Schremser).  At the age of 3, her parents moved the family from Norwood to a home on Webster Lake where Ruth grew up. 

Ruth leaves a son, Rick Ferschke, Jr. and Wendy, of Southbridge, and a daughter Brenda Guilbeault and her husband James, of Northbridge; 8 grandchildren: Cassara, Kaitlynn, Jarrett, Kirstainna, Jessica, Jennifer, Calissa, and Jaydon; and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her former husband, Richard Ferschke, Sr.; brother Royce Brooks and his wife Gail, of CT.; sisters Alice Cierpich and her husband Charlie, of Dudley, and Sylvia Clinton, of Northbridge; and many nieces and nephews.  Ruth was predeceased by her infant son, Stephen, in 1970, and her siblings: Robert, Harry, Stanwood, Marion, Rita, and Shirley.

At the age of 18 Ruth moved to Douglas, where she raised her children; when they were teenagers, she returned to Webster.  Always keeping busy, Ruth worked at the former Bates Shoe, in Webster, Stanley Woolen Mill, in Uxbridge, Lewcott Chemical, in Millbury, and retired from Nichols College in 2010, where she was the head cook for many years.  After retirement she continued to work alongside her daughter, helping with her cleaning business, while enjoying their time together.  Ruth loved animals and working in the garden.  Being with her family was her greatest joy and her happiest days were at Indian Ranch, her "Happy Place". 

Ruth's services are private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth L. (Brooks) Ferschke, please visit our floral store.