Ruth P. Neidhardt, 85

The world said goodbye to Ruth P. Neidhardt, 85, of Meredith, on Oct. 16, 2025. Ruth was known for her warmth, creativity, independence, and the deep love she carried for her family and friends.

Born in Bouckville, New York, Ruth was the daughter of the late Robert Harley Palmiter and Valerae King Palmiter. She grew up in what is now the historic Landmark Tavern, where her spirited nature and boundless energy quickly became her trademark. A self-described tomboy and avid horseback rider, Ruth was always on the move — her mother would often shake her head with a smile and say, “Ruthie, why can’t you just do one thing?” If there was a football game, Ruth would be there — and then off to the bonfire, and then a party after that. Her zest for life began early and never faded.

Ruth graduated from Hamilton Central School (class of 1958), attended Green Mountain College in Vermont (class of 1960), and completed her studies at the University of New Mexico (class of 1962). Her early professional life took her to Syracuse, New York, where she worked as a copywriter, an assistant buyer for Flah’s Department Store, and later in the Reservations and Communications Department for Mohawk Airlines.

Her second career began in education, teaching first grade at Knoxboro Elementary School, a small country school affiliated with Madison Central School in Madison, New York. Teaching came naturally to Ruth — her patience, creativity, and gentle encouragement left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues alike.

During her years in New York, Ruth married and welcomed her daughter, beginning her most cherished role — mother. Later, she remarried and moved to Meredith, where she welcomed a son and built a life surrounded by the beauty of the Lakes Region and the people she loved most.

As a stay-at-home mom, Ruth poured her heart into her family. She was the “room mom,” the Girl Scout leader, and the mother whose home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and neighborhood friends. During those years, she and several close friends formed a group called the Saucy Poppets, performing playful skits and short productions for local schoolchildren. It was the perfect outlet for her creativity, humor, and love of bringing joy to others. Her house was the gathering place where everyone felt welcome, and she supported her children in every dream they pursued.

Life on Lake Winnipesaukee became one of Ruth’s greatest joys. She loved being on the water — fishing from her Boston Whaler in the summer and ice fishing in the winter — and she cherished sharing that lakeside life with others. She loved to entertain and was known for creating a warm, welcoming home where family and friends often gathered. Every summer, extended family would visit, filling the house with laughter, meals on the dock, and late-night stories that became treasured family memories. Whether hosting a lively gathering by the water or a cozy get-together on a snowy night, Ruth found pure joy in bringing people together — and she always had a funny story or clever remark that left everyone smiling.

When she wasn’t hosting or out on the lake, Ruth was rarely without a book in her hand. A voracious reader, she especially enjoyed crime, mystery, and romance novels. She found joy and relaxation in getting lost in a good story — an escape that fed her imagination and reflected her curiosity about people and the world.

Even while raising her family, Ruth’s entrepreneurial spirit never rested. She had a creative spark and an imagination that constantly dreamed up new ventures — crafting and selling handmade floral watering cans and promoting local artists through her card business, Sketches by Kenney. Later, she founded Designer’s Limited, a mail-order business that sold quilting and needlepoint kits featured in Good Housekeeping and Family Circle.

In her 50s, Ruth embraced a new challenge and began her third career — this time in real estate. She started with Lamprey & Lamprey with the majority of her real estate career being with Roche Realty and Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, where she became known for her professionalism, honesty, and deep integrity. Over the course of 30 years, she built a remarkable reputation, earning the respect of her peers and serving on the Board of Ethics for the Lakes Region Realtors Association. In 2012, she was honored as Realtor of the Year — a testament to her dedication, work ethic, and genuine care for others.

While Ruth achieved great success in her professional life, her greatest joy came from her role as mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Amy Gregoire and her husband Steven of Sanbornton, and their daughter Lily Blau of Charlotte, North Carolina; and by her son Brian Neidhardt and his wife Amanda of Meredith, and their daughters Addison and Charlotte.

She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Hannah Rosinski and her husband Russ of Mount Vernon, Vermont, and their children Keelin, Talia and Elsie Grace; Sarah Palmiter of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and her daughter Cassidy Copley; Bradley Palmiter and his wife Colleen of Poughkeepsie, New York, and their sons Aaron and Jordan; Adam Palmiter and his wife Ashley of East Dummerston, Vermont, and their children Harper and Graham; and Steven Palmiter and his wife Tory of Knoxville, Tennessee. She was predeceased by her brother, Brian Palmiter.

Ruth also had a lifelong love of animals. There were always dogs or cats in her home, each one adored as part of the family. She leaves behind her beloved cat, Bella, her faithful companion of 19 years.

Ruth’s life was a beautiful tapestry of creativity, hard work, love and adventure. She cherished her family, valued friendship, and met every new chapter with curiosity and enthusiasm. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her quick wit, her generous spirit, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Though her journey on earth has ended, the light she brought to the world will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Chase House in Meredith. Family and friends are invited to stop by, share memories, and celebrate Ruth’s life in the spirit she lived it — casual, joyful, and full of laughter. A private graveside service for close family will be held separately.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.