Ruth I. Auger, 99, of Pittsboro, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2009.

For the first 92 years of her life, she lived in the Manchester, N.H., area.

She was born in Goffstown, N.H., on April 6, 1910, the daughter of Maurice B. Campbell and Addie Clarabelle Mudge.

Until her retirement in 1971, she had worked at H.P. Hood as a chief clerk for more than 32 years.

Mrs. Auger was the eldest member of the United Methodist Church congregation in Manchester. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. "Gram" will be remembered as the quintessential hostess, always focused on the needs of others. She was also an avid Duke basketball fan and attended several women's home games.

She is predeceased by her husband, Arthur F. Auger, in 1973.

She is survived by her daughter, Irma F. Wright, and son-in-law, Robert D. Wright, of Pittsboro; her granddaughter, Laurie B. Meier, and her husband, Bruce E. Meier, of Chapel Hill; her grandson, Shawn D. Wright, his wife, Gretchen E. Wright, and their children, Benjamin, Jonathan, Aaron, Nathan, and Stephen, of Louisville, Ky.; her grandson, David A. Wright, his wife, Megan E. Wright, and their children, Brian, Heather, and Kevin, of Durham; and cherished family member, Sharon Ebol of Manchester, N.H.

A memorial service was held at the University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill on May 2. By request of the family, those who attended the memorial service are asked to wear something pink in celebration of "Gram's" life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bonginkosi School in South Africa, a school operated by African Enterprise. Memorial gifts should be sent to Christ Community Church, P.O. Box 2314, Chapel Hill, NC, 27515, designating Bonginkosi School.