Ruth J. Peckham

Born and raised in Fall River, Ruth was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Irene M. (Carter) Phelps.

Ruth was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1952. Prior to raising her family, Ruth worked as a Clerk for various companies such as Kesge’s, McWhirr’s and Woolworth. During her time living in New Jersey, she worked in the file room at Chap-n-Son. In her later years, Ruth worked as a Dietary Aide at Cliff Gables Nursing Home and as an Assembly Worker at Globe Assembly Candy Factory.

Ruth’s life revolved around her family whom she was fully devoted to. An avid Red Sox fan, she also enjoyed shopping trips, country and Christian music. A member of the Women’s Home and Foreign Mission, Ruth was also a lifelong member of the Advent Christian Church in Fall River. She always looked forward to spending time at the Tremont Advent Christian Campground and taking part in summer events.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Donna Butterworth and her husband Tom of Somerset and Debra Oliveira and her husband Paul of Key West, FL and Portsmouth, RI; five grandchildren, Jennifer Butterworth of Somerset, Jill Heroux and her husband John of Somerset, Zachary Oliveira and his wife Holleigh of Providence, RI, Tyler Oliveira and his wife Kim of Boston and Seth Oliveira and his wife Kellie of Wilmington, NC; six great-grandchildren, Desiree, Darren, Julian, Addie, Sloan and Zoey as well as many nieces and nephews. Ruth was the sister of the late Doris Goodnow and Lois Brooks.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Advent Christian Church, 70 Coral St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are kindly asked to proceed directly to the church and arrive no later than 9:45 AM. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River.