WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Our mother, Brenda Joan Bates Ruthman, passed away on September 26, 2023 at her daughter's home in Laurel, Maryland at the age of 84. 

She was surrounded by her 3 daughters, Karen, Lisa and Kimberly, during her last days. 

Brenda is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Cyan and Rhys. 

She was born in Milton, Massachusetts and moved to Williamstown with her husband in 1959. Later in 1967, they built their family home on Longview Terrace and raised their 3 girls. She was an intelligent and artistic person. She enjoyed writing poetry, and painting ocean scenes and landscapes. On the weekends she enjoyed going dancing with her husband and friends.

Her husband, Donald Robert Ruthman, preceded her in death on August 23, 2022. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC, www.nationalbreastcancer.org in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In June 2024 a celebration of their lives will be held in South Bristol, Maine where the family spent their summers for generations.