Ruth M. McClenning

Ruth was born on March 15, 1922 to Earl and Leila (Wiswall) Parker of Keene. She was sixth in a line of seven very special siblings: Frances Richardson, Hazel Delano, Claire Parker, Roland Parker, Pauline Mitchell, and Faith Gates all passed before her.

At age two Ruth went to stay with her grandparents, Oren and Lizzie Wiswall in Marlborough, NH, while her mother was giving birth to her younger sister Faith. This was intended as a temporary move, but every time Grammy Wiswall brought her home, Ruth would put up such a fuss that Grammy said they would try another day. That day never came, and she grew up with her grandparents in Marlborough, NH. Grammy Wiswall died when Ruth was only 12 years old and so began her role as the family caregiver. She cared for her grandfather and Uncle Fred who also lived with them until they passed. She had a hand in caring for all of her siblings as they aged and anyone else in the family who needed a hand. She babysat nieces and nephews as well as some special pets.

Ruth married Donald A. McClenning on March 4, 1950. She continued her role as caregiver, as Don suffered many illnesses over the years. They were married for 47 years before he passed. They enjoyed many bus trips with her siblings, and also belonged to the Monadnock Squares dance group.

Ruth did not work outside of the home. Her time was spent being a mother to her only child, Donna J. Nason.

She was involved in school activities, the Brownie/Girl Scout organization and supported all of the illnesses by going door to door to collect donations. She did the same when it came to supporting her political preference and received letters into her 90’s asking if she could continue to help. Ruth said that she thought she had done enough.

Ruth loved animals and cats were her favorite. She was known to have “acquired” a cat or two from neighborhood people who didn’t care for them as she felt was appropriate.

Ruth was a sweet, feisty woman who did it her own way. She didn’t feel sorry for herself through any of the hard times in her life. She always said you can’t do anything about it, so there is no use in crying. She showed her strength every day through her battle with dementia. She always found a way to let her daughter know that it was going to be ok. Ruth demonstrated that communication goes deeper than just words. A look, a touch, or a smile carried her through much of her journey.

There will be no services per Ruth’s wishes. If you would like to donate in Ruth’s memory, please consider donating to Operationsmile.org or any animal rescue organization.