Ruth Anne (Crandall) Leavens

Ruth Anne (Crandall) Leavens a former Bennington, VT resident left this world peacefully on June 11, 2024 at age 90 while residing in Clearwater, FL. Born on January 30, 1934 in Berlin, N.Y. the second daughter to the late, Harry Earl Crandall and Alice Mae (Gutermuth) Crandall. Ruth Anne lost her father when she was 2 years old and her mother, Alice was hospitalized for a long period of time after this tragic event. Ruth Anne and her sister, Eleanor June were then raised by their Uncle Russell and Aunt Wilma Goodermote (both deceased) in Berlin. Our mom learned hard-work at a very young age living on the farm this carried through her adult life. Mom was well-known in high school for her singing and performing at numerous school activities along with her church chorus. After she met Nelson she would sing when he played his Fender electric guitar. Ruth Anne was a devoted member for many years at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Berlin, N.Y.Our mom was the strongest woman we ever knew. At the young age of 28, she was left to raise her 5 children alone. No money, food or transportation. Many would have collapsed in this situation. However, she did not let this situation take control. She arranged for us to move in with her Uncle Russell. Mom then began cleaning a couple homes to make money. She went to night school and received her diploma. A friend, Madeline Weber took her to apply for work at General Cable where she spent the next 21 years until they closed then 5 years at McDonalds in Bennington. I could go on and on with her strength and perseverance in keeping her children together, but it’d take too much room.

Besides those already mentioned above, Ruth Anne was pre-deceased by her husband, Nelson Leavens, her sister, Eleanor Kelly, and grandson, Danny Christopher Thomas. She is survived by her 5 children, Roger Lee, Linda Anne (David), LeRoy Elwin lll, David Allan (Jena) and Danny Harding Thomas. Grandchildren Ethan & Eric Thomas, Aaron LaPort, Nathan & Shawn Joly, Brittany & Amber Thomas, Caleb and Bryce (Shannon) Thomas, Nelson Thomas and 12 great grandchildren. Ruth Anne also leaves her best friend since high school, Mary Lou (Alderman) Abruzzise, and her sister Eleanor’s 5 children, especially her niece, Patty who drove from New Jersey, by herself, having only met our mom and us once when she was about a year old to attend Danny Christopher’s memorial service. Friends and family of Ruth Anne are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate and honor our mother on September 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main St Bennington VT 05201, followed by interment at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington, VT. Pastor Matthew Olson will provide the scripture and prayer during the services.