Ruth Estelle Payte

Ruth E. (Mageau) Payte passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 100. She was

surrounded by loving family who administered to her final needs with great care, devotion and

tenderness. She needed to leave quickly to get ready for the annual New Years Eve party with

her beloved sister and brother in law Gloria and Joe Bingley.

She was born January 16, 1923 on Weeden St. Pawtucket, RI to Bertha (Moran) and Oscar

Mageau. She is survived by a loving son Lawrence Payte MSgt,USAF, Ret and his wife Miriam

of Pigeon Forge TN, a devoted daughter Judith Chappell and her husband Richard “Pogie”

Chappell of East Matunuck RI, 5 grandchildren, Kelley Wolf, Emma Geddes, Laura Heffernan,

Ruth Chappell Meeks RN and her husband Jason E. Meeks M.D., Thaddeus Chappell and his

partner Leita Lord, 8 great grandchildren, a brother James Mageau of Charlestown RI, sisters

Barbara Burdick of South Kingstown,RI, Patricia Raffin of Granbury Texas, Karen Slaathaug of

Boise Idaho,and numerous nieces, nephews and anyone else wanted to join the family.

Ruth is predeceased by her 5 year old daughter Susan Payte, who passed in 1955,her

brothers Harold”Hank” Mageau, John D. Mageau, sisters Rhoda Fisher, Gloria Bingley and

Sister Augustine Mageau CP.

Ruth’s family relocated to South County in 1931 when her father became foreman at the

Civilian Conservation Corps encampment which is now Burlingame State Park in Charlestown

RI.

She attended Pawcatuck Grammar School in Shannock RI which became Charlestown

Elementary and then she attended Westerly High School.

During World War II she worked a day shift at the textile mill Kenyon Piece Dyeworks and as a

waitress at the Charlestown Rathskeller in the evenings. Her family always enjoyed hearing her

stories of the pilots and sailors who would come to unwind after a stressful training day at

Charlestown Navy Base. She gave both of her paychecks to her mother to help support her

numerous younger siblings.

Ruth was introduced to her future husband Arthur K. Payte Jr. at a dance at Cross Mills Fire

Station. He was a handsome sailor from Oklahoma who was stationed at the navy base in

Charlestown which is now Ninigret Park. She would tell numerous stories about their walks to

her family home on Town Dock Rd. in Charlestown and the grand times they enjoyed riding

around South County with friends and family tucked in to the “ rumble seat” of their Model A

Ford.

After the demands of home and family became less she went to work for Laidlaw Bus

Company for the Chariho school district for more than 25 years, retiring at age 88. Ruth was

the oldest driver at the station and consistently earned perfect scores on all her annual bus

driving tests. Any excuse to share some fun was shared with her special education students by

decorating the bus and herself to bring joy and a laugh to all whom she transported.

A food lover, Ruth enjoyed getting together with others and sharing the products of her

cooking skills. She was always available to join in at any social gathering and turn the event

into a rousing good time.

Ruth was a true American patriot. She was proud to be the oldest surviving original member

of the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post 34 Downey Weaver. She had a strong belief in the

July 4th and Memorial Day celebrations as an opportunity to show reverence and gratitude to

those who sacrificed for their country. She never forgot the veterans. Old Glory held a

prominent place in her heart, her home and she was a stickler for flag etiquette. Her children

and grandchildren were taught to stand and honor the flag at all appropriate times, a lesson not

forgotten.

Her sense of “ thriftiness” led to many deep sighs and big eye rolls from all who knew her. The

desire to conserve led to Ruth and her husband to purchase a small family farm in Charlestown

where they raised cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens, miniature donkeys and assorted cats and

dogs along with a large organic vegetable garden. Their two children were taught a strong work

ethic, responsibility, the importance of healthy foods and the benefits of an active outdoor life.

For Ruth, making ends meet, food preservation,a saving for a rainy day, use everything on the

pig but the squeal and stretching a nickel into a quarter was a deeply ingrained lifestyle. The

joke in the family was “ don’t tell Mom how much this cost”.

The family home was open to any niece or nephew who needed a warm bed, hot meal, or a

tasty after school snack. A comfortable and inviting environment full of cuddly cats and dogs

was available to any young one who needed it and her care and generosity is appreciated by

many.

She will always be remembered for a sense of fun, her quick humor, engaging smile, and deep

hearty laugh.

Ruth has been patiently waiting for 67 years to join her beloved little daughter Susan. They are

now reunited for all eternity in love, joy, and everlasting peace. Goodbye Mom. We love you.