Ruth B. Eastman

Concord, NH – On December 20, 2020 Ruth Bergstrom Eastman entered her eternal home in Heaven at the age of 94. Ruth was born on June 9, 1926 and was a life-long resident of Concord. She loved New Hampshire and always marveled at the beauty and variety of nature that each season had to offer. Her parents, John and Anna Bergstrom, immigrated from Sweden to New Hampshire in 1919 and settled in the Swedish Community in West Concord. Ruth was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She often shared fond memories of the smorgasbords and festive gatherings at Scandia Hall where there was much laughter, dancing and wonderful food. One of the highlights of Ruth’s life was in 1977 when she traveled to Sweden with her sister and mother to visit relatives and the birthplaces of her parents.

Ruth graduated from Concord High School in 1944. After graduation she began employment as a secretary at the Rumford Press. Three years later she married her husband, Merle, and they were together for 66 years. In 1968 she went back to work in order to help put her daughters, Linda and Jane, through college. She was employed by NHTI, the Concord Gas Company and the Dept. of Education before retiring in 1983.

The most important things to Ruth were her family, friends and her home. She loved being a homemaker and had many artistic talents that were evident throughout all of her homes. She also loved entertaining, providing many wonderful times to family and friends by hosting dinner parties, Dixieland jam sessions and many celebratory events. All who loved Ruth will miss her welcoming smile and her kind and sweet nature.

Ruth is survived by her daughters Linda Eastman of Concord and Jane Dobson and her husband, Bill, of Owls Head, Maine. Other family members include her granddaughter Kirsten Dobson of Redding, CA; her grandson Justin Dobson and his wife Amanda and their sons of Rochester, NH; her nephews and their spouses; Bob and Kathy Semales, Terry and Susan Lichty, Scott and Linda Lichty; and Kevin Lichty and Rick Semales.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband Merle, her sister Evelyn and her husband, Ed and their son Billy; and her sister-in-law Marilyn Lichty and her husband Don.

There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Ruth’s life is being planned for a future date to be determined. The family would like to thank the Hospice House for their extraordinary, kind and compassionate care of Ruth. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice House, Concord Regional VNA, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301. The Bennett Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Messages of condolences and remembrances may be shared at dignitymemorial.com.