Ruth Carroll, 80, most recently of Houston, Texas passed away on April 25, 2016. She was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on February 25, 1936 and was the first of 6 children born to Iola and Calvin Harbaugh. Her strongest friendships were developed during her high school years at St. Johnsbury Academy. These friendships were maintained throughout her life. It was also at the Academy that she met and fell in love with her future husband, John Carroll. Ruth developed polio soon after graduating from high school. Many doubted that she would ever walk, yet she characteristically worked with great determination to fully recover. On October 20, 1956 she successfully walked down the aisle on the arm of her father. She gave birth to 4 children after being told by her doctor that she would never be able to have any. Ruth was a trusted and valued business partner with John while they owned and managed their family hospitality businesses; namely the Mapletown Dinette in St. Johnsbury and the Rabbit Hill Inn in Waterford. They worked together later on at the Balsam's Grand Resort. Ruth never met a stranger, and collected good friends everywhere she went. This made her the perfect innkeeper and contributed greatly to the success of the family businesses. She enjoyed visits from family and friends during retirement in Florida and Texas, cherishing their time together, especially when walking her beloved dog Abe. Ruth is survived by her 4 children Tom (and Carolyn) of San Francisco, CA, Gregory of Fish Camp, CA, Celinda (and Keith) Kitchens of Eau Claire, WI and Charles (and Torill) of Houston, TX, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. She is also survived by her 5 siblings Bernadine (and Paul) Belknap, Fredricka Stebelus, Russell (and Judy) Harbaugh, Marion (and Bob) Veilleux, Jeanette (and Clint) Libby and many wonderful nieces and nephews. A memorial service in celebration of her life is scheduled for 10:00 am on June 27, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury, VT with more details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to: The Carroll Family Culinary Award, St. Johnsbury Academy Development Office, PO Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.