Ruth B. Moody, 90
DALTON, Mass. - Ruth B. Moody, 90, of Dalton and Center Harbor, N.H., died Thursday, April 16, 2015.
Born in Pittsfield on Oct. 10, 1924, the only child of John L. and Lillian V. Bowerman, she graduated from the former Dalton High School in 1942 and attended the former Pittsfield Secretarial School.
Mrs. Moody and her late husband, William B. Moody, founded Dalton Heating Co., later purchased Johnson Oil Co. and added other small oil companies to their fold. She was secretary and treasurer of the parent company, Moody Energy Inc. She had first worked as personal secretary to Bruce Crane, then president of Crane & Co.
She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving for many years on the Vestry, and was elected senior warden. She was the recipient of the Bishop Award for service and was a member of Order of Eastern Star. After retiring in 1992, she stayed active with many volunteer organizations and groups, regularly visiting local nursing homes to bring cheer into the lives of those living there.
She served as an adjunct member of the Dalton Historical Committee, often joking that "she lived through most of Dalton's history."
Mrs. Moody was active in a variety of charities and organizations and was a regular contributor to the Dalton Council on Aging, volunteering at town elections, Light up the Holidays and church fundraisers and outreach programs. She quietly and without recognition contributed to many local charities and local families that were in need of a helping hand. As was her nature, she would insist that all of her charitable contributions be anonymous.
She enjoyed her home on Lake Waukewan, N.H., and spent many summers there in her youth and later life. She was a longtime member of the Lake Waukewan Shore Owners Association, and a regular contributor and attendee at many Lakes Region Conservation Trust events. She was an avid Boston sports fan, following the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins closely.
She was comfortable in all circles of life. Friends with former governors of both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, along with others of national note, she could be found at a formal event one evening and the following day driving a mentally disabled acquaintance to a doctor's appointment. Her charity and enthusiasm knew no bounds.
Accompanied by her constant companion, Lacey, her yellow Labrador, Mrs. Moody drove herself regularly up to a week before her passing. She and Lacey were known to hit all the "hot spots" in the area where free dog treats were available.
The light of her life was her only grandchild, Meghan Moody, and she attended all of granddaughter's events from kindergarten through high school. She was proud of Meghan's many personal accomplishments and shared in all facets of her life.
Her husband, whom she married on June 25, 1949, died on Oct. 12, 1991.
Besides her beloved granddaughter, she leaves her son, Jeffrey Moody and his wife, Maria.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Per Mrs. Moody's request, there will be no calling hours. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in her memory to the Ruth B. Moody Scholarship Fund in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.