Ruth Ann (McLellan) Vlass, died peacefully at her home in Southboro, MA surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 9th, 2011.
Ruth was born February 23rd 1934 and raised in Newton Upper Falls , one of five children to Joseph (Ozzie) and Margaret McLellan. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gordon Vlass, also from Upper Falls, on October 10th, 1953 and began a lifetime together that spanned more than 40 laughter filled years until Gordon’s passing in 1995.
They lived in Newton for a short time, then purchased a home in Burlington and eventually moved to Wellesley in 1963 and is survived by the five children they raised there. Her family includes Deborah and Stephen Scannell of New Boston, NH, Sandra and Wayne Renegar of Hanson, MA, Michael and Cricket Vlass of West Newbury, MA, Timothy and Lori Vlass of Natick, MA and Kristen and Donald Lawson of Framingham.
She is also survived by her siblings: Peggy Davis of Kirkland, WA, Jean Schiavone of Westport, CT, Richard McLellan of Plymouth, MA and Thomas McLellan of Bedford, MA.
Ruth moved to Southboro in 2005, and was quickly enveloped by the community there, and enjoyed a life filled with her14 grandchildren, her wonderful siblings and her own children near by. Her focus was family and she was the center of all Vlass family activity.
Ruthie enjoyed the seasons, she was a true New Englander, and could revel in a day with her toes in the sand at the beach as much she could searching out the perfect pumpkin in October or sitting in front of a campfire on a August evening. She lived with the sun in her smile and a song in her heart for each of us.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held in Mary immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Elliot St Newton Upper Falls on Thursday, October 13 at 10:30 AM. Relative and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham on Wednesday from 4-8 PM. Interment will take place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Needham. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Cancer or Children’s charity of your choice.
The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all those in her extended family who sent cards, called and offered support during her illness, you are the people who had filled her with joy over her lifetime. To the dear friends from her Wellesley Prospect St. days, and her lifelong friends from Newton, her camping, square dancing and walking groups, the very dear friends from Gordie’s Raytheon Days, and all her nieces, nephews, and the countless people who enriched her life on a daily basis for her 77 years, we want you to know how important you all were to Mom.
(Obituary courtesy of Eaton Funeral Home)
