Ruth Jones Sammis

Ruth Jones Sammis, 88, passed away peacefully July 12, 2014 at Hunt Community in Nashua, NH. Ruth was born on April 6, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to Blanche (Hall) and Hubert Darrell Jones. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, she grew up in a number of different locations, including Bristol CT., Port Washington and Mount Vernon NY. She attended Northfield School for Girls, graduating in 1945, and Allegheny College, graduating in 1948. Upon graduation, she married the love of her life, Henry (Hank) C. Sammis, and shortly thereafter they established a home in White Plains, NY. She devoted the first 15 years of their marriage to raising their three children while also being a supportive member of the Memorial United Methodist Church and the community, including the PEO Sisterhood. She then pursued a career in social work, a calling close to her heart. When Hank was transferred to Dalton, GA, she continued her career as a patient representative at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Five years later, Hank having passed away, she felt the pull of her roots and returned to White Plains. There she continued her career at the Dept. of Social Services as a Child Protective Supervisor. Concurrently she pursued a degree at Hunter College, graduating with a Masters in Social Work at age 65. Ruth was the consummate entertainer, always gathering family and friends for meals and celebrations of any sort. Always busy, she managed to make everyone feel welcome and special and reached out to those in need. She was the glue that held everyone together. Upon retirement, she moved to Amherst, NH to be near family. She enjoyed five years of friendship in Amherst before moving to Hunt Community in Nashua in 2001. There she received loving care and support from the staff, for which the family is extremely grateful. She was predeceased by her husband Hank. She is survived by her children, Susan (and Paul) Spiess and Clay Sammis of Amherst, Elizabeth (and Michael) Roberts of Dalton, Georgia; six grandchildren, Jennifer Spiess (and Raj) Gupta, Stephen Spiess, Rachel Sammis, Sasha Sammis, Andrew Pelfrey and Rebecca Pelfrey (and Justin) Hurst; four great grandchildren Owen, Parker and Molly Gupta and Kyran Hurst; her sister-in-law Cynthia Sammis; and three nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC, 11 Church Street, Amherst at 10 am on Saturday, August 2. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060.