Bertha "Ruth" Dietrick

 SWANTON - Bertha Ruth Dietrick, age 102, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8th, 2025 at The Villa Rehab in St. Albans, Vermont.

She was born on June 12, 1923 in Hampton, New Jersey, the only child of George and Edna (Hoffman) Bailey.

Bertha, who went by her middle name of Ruth, grew up in New Jersey and spent most of her life there before moving to Vermont in 2008.

In 1944 Ruth met and married Calvin Dietrick. They relocated to High Bridge, NJ and shortly thereafter, Calvin was deployed to the Philippines. Nine months later, their daughter, Sandra, was born. Ruth and Calvin were married for 30 years, until his passing in 1974.

Over her lifetime in New Jersey Ruth enjoyed a 75 year membership with the Order of the Eastern Star and was an active member in her church and choir. She was a dedicated employee at Quality Packaging for 35 years.

A naturally gifted artist, Ruth loved painting, crocheting, glass mosaic and writing poetry. She was an advocate for animals and took in any and every stray that appeared on her doorstep, rescuing dozens of creatures over the course of her life. Ruth was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed watching sports on television, including football, baseball, NASCAR and golf. Ruth also enjoyed to travel, and over the years visited many places such as Germany, New Orleans and Colorado, where she rode in a stagecoach up mountain roads to her destination. Ruth lived a long life well spent. She lit up a room with her adorable giggle and strong opinions. Those traits live on in her surviving family members, daughter Sandra Williams and her husband Bill, her granddaughter Jennifer Williams Thompson and her husband Leon, her grandson Corey Williams and his partner Candi, her great granddaughter Sophie Thompson, nieces Marlene, Margery and Beverly, great nieces Debbie and Carole, and great nephew Brian.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, George and Edna, her niece Doris Ann, nephew Robert and great nephew Jeff. She will be interred in Hampton, NJ, and joined once again with her beloved husband Calvin.

We'd like to extend our gratitude to The Villa Rehab in St. Albans, Vt. The staff were true friends, as well as dedicated care givers and companions.

In memory of Ruth's love for all creatures, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or Humane Society.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com