Ruby Amelia Bolio, 75, Waterbury, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by family on Friday, April 15, 2016. Born in Burke on February 2, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Raymond H. and Amelia (Heath) Rexford. Ruby was previously married to Douglas Baker Sr., David Merchant and Ralph Bolio.
Ruby grew up in Waterbury and was a 1959 graduate of Waterbury High School. Her working career and life was dedicated to helping and taking care of others. Throughout her career, which included working at the Vermont State Hospital, several community-based care homes and nursing homes, she thoroughly enjoyed being in a position to make a difference for those she cared for. Not one to be idle and with a great work ethic, Ruby additionally worked in a variety of restaurants as a cook, waitress and bartender.
In her leisure time, Ruby enjoyed crocheting, cooking for her family and friends, scouring the countryside for a good yard sale, attending local stock car races and was an avid Red Sox fan. Convivial and outgoing, Ruby made quick and long-lasting friendships easily.
Ruby is loved and mourned by her five sons, Douglas Baker Jr. and his wife Ulrike of East Barre, Carl Baker and his companion Vanessa of East Montpelier, Anthony Baker and his wife Coleen of Barre, Michael Merchant and his wife Amy Anderson of Waterbury, and Steven Merchant and his wife Kathy of Northwood, New Hampshire; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sheryl Parsons and her husband Fred of Washington and Carolyn Farnsworth and her husband Brian of Bastrop, Louisiana; two brothers, Howard Rexford and his wife Georgia of Waterbury and Frank Rexford and his wife Ronda of Lakeland, Florida; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Ruby was predeceased by a grandson and great-grandson.
The family would like to give special thanks to Ruby’s incredible friends and caregivers, Cindy Hohman and Joan Andrews of Waterbury, along with the wonderful and dedicated Hospice Team from Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.
Graveside memorial services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Duxbury on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at Green Mountain Community Alliance Church in Duxbury. For those who wish, memorial gifts in lieu of flowers would be appreciated to the Duxbury Elf Shelf, P.O. Box 23, Waterbury, VT 05676, the Waterbury Area Senior Center Meals on Wheels, 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT 05676, or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 (www.cvhhh.org). Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
