1943 – 2016

RUMFORD — Mrs. Ruth “Puppy” Irene Hammond–Raynor triumphant over death is now in heaven with her Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Ruth was born in Rumford on April 1, 1943, to the late Lanson and Grace (Wheelock) Hammond of Mexico. Her only brother, David Hammond, who lived in Toms River, N.J., passed away in a T-bone car accident in 1995. Ruth went to Mexico High School and majored in business. Upon graduation in 1961, she worked in the Rumford paper mill.

Then brother David asked Ruth to come to New York City where she was employed by Squibb Pharmaceuticals on 5th Avenue. She lived at Parker 72. She attended Calvary Baptist Church across the street from Carnegie Hall. It was at Calvary that she met Wesley Raynor through mutual friends. He was teaching electronics in the Army at Fort Monmouth, N.J.

Ruth played the piano regularly at Calvary because the world-famous pianist, Van Clyburn, was a member. Ruth was a most accomplished pianist and organist. Calvary wanted someone as good as Ruth to play when Van Clyburn came to church. Ruth also played for evangelist Jack Wyrtzen and the Billy Graham Association.

Ruth and Wesley were married at Calvary on Aug. 12, 1967. Ruth in her David Original wedding dress was the picture of beauty, a brilliant mind and a gentle, sweet, strong spirit. Wesley then went to Vietnam and Ruth lived in Mexico with her parents, Lanson and Grace, until he came home.

Then in 1968 they moved to Indiana where their two sons, Jonathan and Timothy were born. Then in 1977, they moved to Holden, Mass., and lived there for 25 years. During these years, Ruth spent her summers in the Towle camp next to the Kawanhee Inn in Weld. She was the church secretary for Holden Chapel.

Starting in 1997 Ruth and Wesley became highly involved in getting The Gaither Home Coming concerts to Worcester, Lowell and Portland arenas as well as Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, and The Blackwood Brothers, etc. Heavenly music praising our Lord and Savior that Ruth so loved to play and sing! Songs about heaven where Ruth is NOW!

Then Wesley retired from Massachusetts Hallsmith-Sysco in 2002. Ruth and Wesley bought back the Hammond house in Mexico. Son Jonathan married Cathy Briggs and they had grandson, Joshua. Son Timothy married Jodi Halpin and they had twins, Emily and Jackson. Ruth was happy to be in the house she grew up in.

She reconnected with her old Mexico High School Class of 1961, all her dear friends. She was involved in the Mexico Mothers Club. She played piano and organ at Mexico First Baptist Church until 2007, when she started spending six months at Ocala Sun RV Resort, coming home in the spring.

A Big Thank You to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Rumford Hospital, Rumford Community Home and a Big Thank You to all of our friends, neighbors and the people we have done business with. We so appreciated the love, support and encouragement you have given to us.

Survivors include her husband, Wesley Raynor, of Mexico; two sons, Jonathan Raynor and his wife, Cathy, of Long Meadow, Mass. and Timothy and his, wife Jodi, of Woburn, Mass.; grandchildren, Joshua Raynor of Long Meadow, Mass., Emily Raynor of Woburn, Mass. and Jackson Raynor of Woburn, Mass.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.