Ruth Marie (Sherwood) Haas, a longtime resident of Arlington, MA, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Brookview, while under the compassionate care of hospice. She was 87 years old. Ruth is survived by her older brother, Abijah Edward Sherwood of Princeton, IL; her devoted son, Jason Giles Haas of New London, NH, and his wife, Kristen (Varrell) Haas; her loving daughter, Maureen Rachel Claussen of Dover, NH; and four adult grandchildren: Cameron Levi Quimby (married to Theresa M. (DeCaprio) Quimby), Rachel Milo Quimby, Trevor James Haas, and Sarah Marie Haas.
Ruth was born on November 28, 1937, in Peoria, IL, to WWI veteran Abijah Minor Sherwood, a city electrician and Elizabeth Ida (Krumpe) Sherwood, a teacher. The Sherwood and Krumpe families were longtime members of University United Methodist Church in Peoria.
A bright and talented individual, Ruth graduated in the top percentile from Peoria High School before attending Knox College in Galesburg. She married fellow Knox College classmate Howard W. Dillon in 1956. While at Knox, Ruth became a life-loyal member of Tri Delta Epsilon and received the Lawrence Latin Prize in 1959. After completing college, Ruth and Howard pursued graduate degrees at Indiana University, each earning a Master’s in Library Science in 1961. Ruth gave birth to her children while living in Ohio before relocating with her family to the Boston area.
In 1970, Ruth moved to Arlington, MA, where she married her second husband, Howard Clyde Haas (who passed away in 1987). Ruth was a dedicated mother and an active individual with many passions, including gardening, sewing, cooking, reading, and calligraphy. She became an accomplished calligrapher and a member of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators.
Ruth's professional life centered around libraries. She worked as a reference librarian at Robbins Library in Arlington from 1976 to 1981. Later, she earned a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science at Simmons University in Boston. Ruth continued her career at Harvard University, where she worked as a senior cataloger in the CONSER Office, till 2010. She was a strong advocate for automating library cataloging systems and was a member of the American Library Association. Ruth was also recognized as a noteworthy librarian by Marquis Who's Who.
An avid lover of animals, Ruth also enjoyed kayaking on Spy Pond and taking trips to the New Hampshire mountains and lakes. She cherished her time in New England for all the area had to offer in culture and natural beauty - she was also a loyal New England Patriots fan. Despite her love for the Boston area, Ruth always maintained close ties to her family and roots in Peoria, IL.
Ruth will be laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery, alongside her parents, in Peoria, IL. A short memorial service will be held prior at Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure Ave on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 9:30 am. The family extends their appreciation to Rogers and Hutchins Funeral Home in Arlington, MA, and Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home in Peoria, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Minuteman Senior Services Home - Minuteman Senior Services