Alton, NH

Ruth E. Sample, 87, of Alton, NH went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2019 after a brief hospitalization.

Ruth was born September 16, 1931 to the late Ernest and Ermina Lombard in Arlington, MA. Ruth was a member of the Advent Christian Church, Somerville, MA; Ruth graduated from Arlington High School and went on to begin a career in Nursing; the beginning of her lifelong devotion to caring for others.

Ruth married Russell M. Sample of Somerville, MA in June 1953. Residing in Arlington, MA together, they raised 7 children and also provided a loving Foster home for more than 20 children. In 1972, Ruth and Russell moved their family to Alton Bay, NH.

Ruth shared her faith throughout her life, through her love of music, playing the piano and organ in several churches through the years. Ruth was the ultimate caretaker; caring for her own children, Foster children; providing nursing services in nursing homes in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; reading to schoolchildren in the Foster Grandparent Program in Alton and most importantly, she was a champion for our sister Sherri Leigh adopted in 1971.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Virginia MacFarlane, Dallas TX, brother Leon Lombard, Live Oak, FL, her children Russell and Jeane (Stuart) Sample, Jr., Diane (Sample) and Don Tilton, Roy and Jane (Gilchrist) Sample, Ronald and Jeanne (Martineau) Sample, Roger Sample and April Boles, David Sample and Sheri Keirstead, and Sherri Leigh Sample; 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Russell Sample, Sr., her brother Robert Lombard and her niece Cheryl Lombard.

A celebration of her life will take place at the Community Church of Alton, 20 Church Street on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11:00am. A light lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105