Ruth J. (Doucette) Tolman died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital December 31st at the age of 73. Ruth was born and raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and has lived in Melrose her entire life. She was a loving Foster Parent and worked as a dietician for a local nursing home in Stoneham for many years. Ruth was a chaperone for the Legion of Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps from 1970-1974 and was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church in Melrose. She was the loving mother of Karen ( Tolman ) Skurka & her husband Ralph of RI, Albert ' Buddy ' Tolman & his wife Robyn of NH, David Tolman & his wife Rosemary of Saugus, Paula ( Tolman ) Hollander of Melrose, Pamela ( Tolman ) Liebermann & her husband Walter of Melrose and Jean-Marie ( Tolman ) Skurka of Medford. Daughter of the late Wlliam A. & Mildred ( Velmure) Doucette. Sister of Gertrude Flaherty of Dennis and the late Priscilla Mata & William A. Doucette Jr. . Also survived by 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St. Melrose on Fri Jan 3 at 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass in St Mary's Church, corner of Myrtle & Herbert Sts, Melrose at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thurs 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.