Ruthann DeMars

Ruthann “Ruthie” DeMars, 40, of Saugus, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2025 due to a sudden medical emergency. Known lovingly as “Ruthie” to many and “Fanny” to her mom, she was a devoted mother, cherished daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend whose warmth, patience, and love touched countless lives.

Ruthie was born on November 15, 1984, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Jan and Doug DeMars. She grew up in Lynn, attending Ingalls Elementary School, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and Lynn English High School before earning her degree in Early Childhood Education at North Shore Community College. Ruthie later settled in Saugus, where she created a loving home for her boys and built her life around family.

Her two sons, Jonathan “Jay” and Julian “Jules” Arnett were the center of her world. Being their mom was her greatest pride and joy. She loved every moment spent cheering them on at football games, celebrating their milestones, and sharing in their everyday lives. Ruthie was happiest on the sidelines with a smile on her face, or simply sitting with her boys at home, providing for them and soaking up the gift of motherhood. She loved her boys so deeply and unconditionally, and treated all of her Shining Stars children with the very same love and care. Her love and devotion to Jay and Jules defined her life and will continue to guide them always.

She also leaves behind her loving parents, Jan and Doug DeMars; her sisters Becky Palmer and her husband Dave, and Leanne DeMars and her partner Patrick Lally; her nephews Douglas “DJ” DeMars and David Palmer, for whom she was a “second mom”, and her niece Cassidy Palmer, who will forever be her princess. She will also be missed by her aunt Joyce Page, her grandmother Marilyn DeMars, and her uncles John, Bill, and Jim DeMars.

Sports were always a special part of Ruthie’s family life. Her dad coached her childhood softball teams, and later passed on his love of sports by teaching both Ruthie and her boys about football—memories that became treasured traditions.

Ruthie also leaves behind a giant Shining Stars family, including her “bestieboos” Trish Murphy, Alpha Gonzalez, Kristen Davis, and Erin Sullivan. While teaching and caring for children at Shining Stars was her life’s work, it was more than a career—it was a community where she shared her gifts, her laughter, and her heart. Known affectionately as the “Guidance Counselor” of Shining Stars, Ruthie had an extraordinary ability to assess a child or situation and know exactly what was needed to bring calm, comfort, or success. Her positive spirit and steady presence made her the one everyone turned to—for guidance and support. It was because of her incredible skills as a mother that she became such an extraordinary teacher—her gift of nurturing, guiding, and protecting her boys naturally translated into the way she cared for every child as if they were her own. She will forever be remembered as “Miss Ruthie,” a presence whose love and dedication left an everlasting mark on every child, family, and coworker.

Ruthie will be remembered for her boundless kindness, her forever calming personality, her strength, and her ability to bring light into any situation. Most of all, she will be remembered for the unwavering love she poured into her sons. Her legacy lives on in Jay and Jules, who carry her light, her spirit, and her strength forward.

A visitation will be held in Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home in Lynn on Wednesday, August 27, 4–7 p.m., with a service on Thursday, August 28, at 11 a.m.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, their light remains.” – Unknown

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Miss Ruthie Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Checks may be sent to Shining Stars Learning Center, 489 Lincoln Ave, Saugus, MA 01906. This fund will honor Ruthie’s legacy by supporting her beloved sons, Jay and Jules, and providing a small scholarship for Shining Stars alumni in honor of Miss Ruthie..