RUTH W. BUTTON SKOWHEGAN – Ruth Warshawsky Button, 84, died unexpectedly Aug. 24, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer and complications. She died with her family at her side. She was born May 12, 1924, in Boston, daughter of George Warshawsky and Marjorie Wells (Slocumb) Warshawsky. She graduated from Essex Junction High School in Vermont, and attended the University of Vermont, as well as New York University. Ruth was employed as clerical supervisor for American Mutual Liability Insurance Co., Burlington, Vt., for eight years; owned and operated Pied Piper Nursery School, Skowhegan, for eight years; and retired as district manager for Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District after 20 years of service. Ruth married Lloyd H. Button Jr., in 1950, in Burlington. He died in 1996, after they had celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. She created a new and active life as a widow. She was devoted to her church, the Federated Church, Skowhegan, where she taught Sunday school, served on many committees, and was a chairperson and president of the women’s fellowship. She believed in soil stewardship and served on the town planning board for six years. She was a past member of Beta Sigma Phi and Women’s Club and a current member of Red Hattitudes. Her hobbies included dancing, camping, walking and playing bridge. She was a voluntary leader of the Skowhegan area Monday Bridge Group. She enjoyed many friends who contributed to her “Wall of Love” – get well cards, during her illness. She is survived by a daughter, Lucinda “Cindy” Button Spencer and her husband, Larry, of Fryeburg; and a son, Lloyd “Chip” Button III and his partner, Elizabeth King, of Madison; three grandchildren, Kim Spencer of Center Harbor, N.H., Jennifer “Jen” Button of Lewiston and Caleb Button of Madison; two great-grandchildren, Gerrick Colbath and Mia Colbath; a brother, Eugene Warshawsky and his wife, Blanche, of Yorktown, Va.; three nephews and two nieces and their families. Her remaining Vermont family includes Eugene Button and Karen Roessner. Her sister, Alice Stoothoff, predeceased her. A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Federated Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity of choice.