Ruth M. Watkins, 90, of Merrimack passed away on Monday March 31, 2014 at St. Teresa Manor in Manchester after a long illness.

She was born in Hooksett, NH on January 19, 1924 to the late Ralph and Mildred (Dickey) Burbank.

Ruthie was a beloved lunch lady at Reeds Ferry School. She also enjoyed crafting in her free time and also was known for keeping an impeccable and beautifully kept home.

Ruth was pre-deceased by her husband Louis H. Watkins in 2002, her son Louis "Skip" Watkins in 2013 and two brothers, Earl Burbank in 1968 and Leroy Burbank in 2013; and a great-grandson Ryan Hayes in 1991.

She is survived by two daughters, Donna and her husband Peter Wood of Arab, AL, and Annie and her husband Norton Best of Canada; a daughter-in-law, Rachel Watkins of Merrimack; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, two sisters and a brother in-law, Edna Klardie of Merrimack and Ida and Donald Heath of Berwick, ME, and several nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by a loving second family, including the staff and friends of St. Teresa's Nursing Center in Manchester.

Calling hours will be held at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack on Thursday from 5-8 pm. A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack on Friday at 9:30 am. Burial will follow in Last Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ruth's memory to the Alzheimer's Assoc, 5 Bedford Farms Dr #201, Bedford, NH 03110 or to the Our Lady of Mercy Comfort Ministry, 16 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054