Ruth S. Hanson of St. Johnsbury passed away unexpectedly and peacefully June 9, 2010, at her home. She was born in Waterford July 15, 1916, to Bertha (Russell) Sparrow and William E.G. Sparrow. After graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1934, Ruth attended Oberlin College in Ohio, receiving a bachelor degree in music. She received a master of music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. During the summer of 1940, Ruth attended the Julliard School of Music in New York City. On Feb. 22, 1944, she married Ed Hanson from Fall River, Mass. For many years they resided at 44 Spring St., where she gave piano lessons to many future virtuosos. As a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Ruth also served as choir director for 50 years. A longtime member of St. Johnsbury Country Club and avid golfer, she was the women's club champion there many times. She and her husband Ed played golf in 38 states on 254 courses and on 35 courses in various foreign countries. As a friend of the Athenaeum, Ruth volunteered for over a decade mainly working in the archives. Ruth is survived by her two sons, William Coe Hanson and wife Marcia of San Antonio, Texas (3418 Shallow Grove, San Antonio, TX 78247) and Alfred Edward Hanson and wife Margaret of Montrose, N.Y. (14 High Road, Montrose, NY 10548); four granddaughters, Katherine Hanson of San Antonio, Meg Greiner and husband David of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., Sarah Jaramillo and husband Kenneth Clover of S.C., and Amy Hanson of Fort Mill, S.C.; four great-grandsons, Michael Greiner, Connor, Zachary and Tyler Jaramillo; and a nephew, Perley Sparrow. Her husband Ed, her brother Alfred Sparrow and his wife Marion, as well as one niece predeceased her. A graveside service will be held at the family's convenience at Passumpsic Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to either Grace United Methodist Church (earmarked for the 'Holbrook Scholarship Fund'), 36 Central St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.