Ruth H. (Johnson) Hultgren, 105, formerly of Holden, died peacefully under the loving care of her family and the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center on Saturday, April 14, 2012. She was born in Worcester on December 18, 1906, the daughter of Anton and Hilda (Johnson) Johnson, was raised in Boylston, and lived many years in Quinsigamond Village and Holden before moving to Colony Homes in Worcester over 10 years ago.
Ruth graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and worked for many years with her husband in their family business, Hultgren Manufacturing. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Worcester and the Stella Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
She was proud of her Swedish heritage and was known for her gracious hospitality. Following the Swedish tradition and into her 80s, Ruth could be found lovingly preparing holiday Smorgasbords for her family and close friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting, baking Swedish coffee bread and golfing with her husband. She possessed a zest for life and will be remembered for a selfless, gentle and kind nature, but most of all for the love she shared with her family.
Her husband of 60 years, Edwin W. Hultgren died in 1994. She is survived and will greatly missed by her son, Kenneth J. Hultgren and his wife Carol of Lunenburg; a daughter, Christine R. Redfield of Holden; five grandchildren, Cynthia Robinson and her husband Michael of Holden, Pamela J. Fraser and her husband Robert of Spencer, Cara E. Hultgren and her husband Steven of Chelmsford, John E. Hultgren and his wife Kimberly of Somerville and Meredith K. Hultgren of Fitchburg; seven great-grandchildren; a great great-granddaughter; and nephews and nieces.
A private funeral service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.