HAMPTON -- Ruth Ann Ross, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Dec. 19, 2011.

Her life journey began in Winchester, Mass., on December 4, 1929, the daughter of Danish immigrants, Katrina Petersen and Andrew Christian Kelsen.

She graduated from Malden High School in 1947, attended business school and was employed by Amica Insurance Company as an executive secretary.

She helped her parents and brother build a charming summer cottage at Rye Beach in 1944, and after many happy summers, the Seacoast region eventually became home to the entire family.

Ruth married the love of her life, Albert A. Ross, in 1950 and they settled in Hampton in 1963 where they raised their family.

Ruth had been a devout Episcopalian and served as a long-standing member of the Altar Guild at Trinity Episcopal Church. She volunteered as an assistant physical therapist at Exeter Hospital and worked tireless hours at the voting polls in Hampton.

As her children became more independent, she embarked on her career at the Lane Memorial Library in Hampton where, after 13 years of service, she was honored at a tributary luncheon upon her retirement.

She was a member of Abenaqui Country Club for almost 50 years where she and her husband enjoyed golf, tennis and especially long-standing friendships. She was an avid bridge player until the very week of her passing. Ruth was known for her positive attitude and fun-loving spirit, and she will greatly be missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Laurence Kelsen, and her beloved husband, Al. She is survived by her son, Richard A. Ross of Hampton; her daughter Lisa Ann Ross Gupton and husband Ted of Ft. Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Janet Kelsen; step grandsons, Dr. Ted Gupton Jr. and Crawford Gupton; nephews Andrew Kelsen and wife Tamra, and Thomas Kelsen; cousins and a grand niece and nephew.

SERVICES: A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 High St., Hampton. There will be a reception for family and friends following the service at the Abenaqui Country Club, 731 Central Road, Rye Beach.

Brewitt Funeral Service, 14 Pine St., Exeter, N.H., is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 30 Church Road, P.O. Box 555, Rye Beach, NH 03871-0555, or to Seacoast Mental Health,1145 Sagamore Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801-5585.

For more information, visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.