OBITUARY: Barbara J. (Ruger) White, 96

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Barbara J. (Ruger) White, age 96, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on September 24, 2024.

Barbara was born on November 17, 1927, in Brooklyn, NY; she was the cherished daughter of the late Karl and Gertrude L. (Baylis) Ruger. Barbara was raised on Long Island and graduated from Freeport High School.

Following graduation, Barbara attended Green Mountain Junior College in VT, where she met her husband, Lester E. White. They were married on September 15, 1951, and lived in Kentucky for a few years while Les was stationed in the military. Barbara and Lester settled in Wilmington, where they raised their three daughters, Debra, Nancy, and Cindy.

Barbara worked at the Woburn Street School kitchen for her entire career. She enjoyed working with her fellow lunch ladies and loved caring for the children during their lunchtime.

Barbara and Lester had a very active social circle; they had many friends with whom they traveled. The group visited places such as Germany, Switzerland and a cruise to the Caribbean. Barbara and Les were founding members of the “Hot Rivets Camping Club”; they camped all over New England, often making new friends wherever they went.

Barbara was very involved with the Methodist Church in Wilmington. She enjoyed the time she spent at the social events, especially “coffee hour.” Barbara volunteered her time at the church clubs and helped to organize many activities for the church members, including craft shows and fairs. Barbara often volunteered at the Mission of Deeds; she really enjoyed the time she spent with her fellow volunteers with helping people who were in need.

Barbara will be remembered for the love of her family. She loved hosting and preparing big meals for everyone. She was a talented seamstress and made clothes and doll clothes for her daughters and grandchildren.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Lester E. White, devoted mother of Debra Parker & her late husband Dennis of Tewksbury, Nancy Markgren & her late husband Russell of Wells, ME, and Cynthia Barcellos & her husband Michael of Wilmington, loving “Gram” of Lucas Markgren of Worcester, Derek Markgren & his wife Megan of Falmouth, ME, Katelyn Paquette & her husband Cameron of Richford, VT, Stefany Parry & her husband Steven of Reading and the late Kerin Parker, “Great-Gram” of Tate Markgren, Eli Parry, and Annie Parry. Barbara was the dear sister of the late Buddy Ruger & his wife Sheffy of NY and the late Larry Ruger & his wife Bonnie of California. Barbara is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Sunday, October 6th from 1:00 -2:30 p.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave., Reading, MA 01867.