Ruth Elaine (Nutt) Bishop

Ruth Elaine Bishop passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. She was born on August 16, 1943 in Sedalia, Missouri. Daughter of the late Artie and Myrle Nutt, she enjoyed many adventures with her family, including brothers, Allen and Bernice, as they traveled throughout the United States. She graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was the captain of her cheerleading squad — no surprise to anyone who had the good fortune to know and love her, as her zest for living life out loud continued even to her final days.

Shortly after graduation, she gave birth to her children, Patricia (1961), Brenda (1964), and Christopher (1968) Settle. Later, life brought her to Massachusetts. She met and married Oliver (Ollie) Bishop Jr., with whom she admits she was entirely smitten. In September, the couple would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Together they had Charlene in 1979. The couple officially moved to Westhampton in 1989, settling in to the Bishop homestead — the same house where they were married years earlier.

In addition to being an adoring and dedicated mother, Ruth worked at Almer Huntley and Associates in Northampton and then Pro Brush, where she served as a purchaser for 15 years. She landed at the Alumnae House at Smith College where she made a name for herself in the Gifts Department. Following 20 years of employment, she retired from Smith College in 2005. Her passion for supporting the college, its students and alumnae continued throughout her life.

A tireless volunteer for the Westhampton Congregational Church, she dedicated her free time to serving the community. She was an avid flower gardener and loved a fresh tomato from the garden. In colder months, she was a vivacious cheerleader for her beloved Patriots. She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing Scrabble, going on adventures, having fancy lunches with her dear friends, and chatting daily on the phone with her beloved sister-in-law, Marty Nutt.

She leaves behind her devoted children, Patricia and late husband Donald Pariseau of Easthampton, Brenda Finn of Holyoke, Christopher Settle and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, and Charlene Cross and her partner Brian Sklarski of Westhampton. She will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren, Glenn Lynde, Christopher and Kayla Settle, and Meredith and Max Cross, and Elissa Perrier. She is predeceased by her grandchildren Jennifer Wark and Derek Pariseau. Her legacy continues through her great grandchildren Jazmine, Jenisa, and Jocelyn Medina and Aleah Sutter. Her heart was filled with joy when she recently welcomed her first great great grandchild, Ella Reardon. Ruthie was a dear friend to many and her smile and warmth will be remembered in our hearts forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Elaine (Nutt) Bishop, please visit our floral store.