MIDDLEBORO — Ruth Evelyn (Gates) Watt, age 98, of Middleborough, died on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home for the Aged in Middleborough. She was the beloved wife of the late Leonard Watt.

Ruth was born on Thursday, February 25, 1926, to the late Clinton & Aymar (Freeman) Gates. A lifelong resident of Middleborough, she was a graduate of Middleborough High School, Class of 1944. Ruth spent most of her adult life volunteering at the Council of Aging, Middleborough Veterans' Services and the VA Medical Center/Veterans Hospital in Brockton. She knitted countless afghans for the Fire Department for Displaced Persons and knitted hats for the local kindergarten and elementary schools for those in need. Ruth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, served as secretary to the Middleborough Historical Society, and secretary to the Cemetery at the Green in Middleborough. She was honored at the State House as an "Unsung Heroine". Ruth was also a longtime member of the Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Halifax.

Ruth was the dear aunt of Marjorie Nyberg, Virginia Gates and Elinor Tanguay, and many grandnieces and grandnephews; sister of the late Harold Gates, Sr.; aunt of the late Harold Gates, Jr., Ralph Gates, David Gates and Betsy Dunham.

Family and friends are welcome to the Graveside Services in the Cemetery at the Green, Plympton Street, (near the intersection of Routes 105 & 44), Middleborough, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home, ATTENTION: Activity Department, 299 Wareham Street, Middleborough, MA 02346.

For online condolences and directions, please visit our website: www.ashleydrolettefuneralhome.com

ASHLEY FUNERAL HOME
MIDDLEBOROUGH
508 947-3600