Ruth Anne Howes, 65, departed this life on Tuesday, April 18 in West Springfield, MA.  Born in Long Beach, CA on October 11, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur L. and Leta J. (Ray) Howes.  She graduated from West Springfield High School in 1976, held various office jobs, and finished her career working for JC Penney and The Bon Ton.  She enjoyed reading, going to the movies, knitting and crocheting, and keeping up on the latest news on her nephews and grand nephews and nieces.  She is survived by her sisters Susan Noyes (James) of Ponte Vedra, FL, Cynthia Howes (James) of Chester, VT, and Deborah Bodurtha (James) of West Springfield, her nephews, Michael Bocchino (Jennifer) of MN, Matthew Bocchino (Sarah) of FL, Tyler Noyes (Jessica) of VT, John Kalagher (Sarah) of ME, Daniel Kalagher (Tara) of CA, Kevin Bodurtha (Nidhi) of RI, and her great nephews and nieces Lucas, Madison, Julia, Emma, Charles, Amelia, Norman, Barrett, Peyton, Rylee, Diana, and Henry.  She had a gift of making people feel comfortable and welcome. Her sense of humor often took you by surprise. She will be missed. Per Ruth's wishes, funeral services were held privately. The West Springfield Curran Jones Funeral Home handled all arrangements.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. American Diabetes Association | Research, Education, Advocacy