Ruth Nancy Gilbert, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, at the age of 87. Ruth lived a life full of kindness, adventure, and dedication to family and friends.

Ruth was born and grew up in Schenectady, New York, with her sister Jane. She was the daughter of Lilian G. (Wright) Phiffer and Clark R. Phiffer. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, where she met her future husband. Ruth then attended Russell Sage College. Later, she attended Northeastern University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature.

On September 7, 1957, she married Gerald Barker Gilbert. They were married for over 45 years until he passed suddenly. Together, they raised four children in Reading, Massachusetts. The family has wonderful memories of times spent at their home on Lake Arrowhead in Limerick, Maine.

Ruth was passionate about travel and enthusiastically explored new places and cultures. With an insatiable curiosity, she and Gerry spent many great times discovering other continents' wonders, including Europe and Asia. Her adventurous spirit even led her to achieve her pilot's license and own her own small airplane.

She loved spending time with her family and friends, who brought immense joy to her life. Ruth was also an avid reader and lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and enjoying the world of books. Over the years, her home was a place of sanctuary for many cats, reflecting her deep love and compassion for animals.

Ruth is survived by her children, Gayle (Gilbert) and Gary Gosselin of Alton, NH, James and Robin Gilbert of Gardner, Massachusetts, and P. David and Kathryn Gilbert of Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christine (O'Neil) Higgins, Robert O'Neil III, James C. Gilbert, Ryan Gilbert, Meaghan (Gilbert) Meacham, Kate Gilbert, Christopher Gosselin and Tyler Gosselin. Ruth was also blessed to be a great-grandmother and step-great-grandmother to 8 young children in the family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and their cherished daughter, Robin.

Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her strength, unwavering love, and appreciation for simple pleasures will be remembered and cherished forever.

A graveside service will be held on July 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pope Memorial Humane Society, Cocheco Valley.

To express condolences, please visit:  www.peasleefuneralhome.com