U.S. ARMY NURSING CORP (Ret.) HAMPDEN- Ruth Viola Watson, 88, passed away peacefully, March 5, 2006 at her sister’s home in Hampden, surrounded by her family. She was born June 20, 1917, in Van Buren, the daughter of William E. and Iva V. (Dunlop) Watson. Ruth was a graduate of Van Buren High School and the Eastern Maine General Hospital School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse and worked at Eastern Maine General Hospital and in Connecticut before joining the U.S. Army. Ruth was a career woman and spent 28 years of her nursing career in the U.S. Army Nursing Corp., during which time she served in World War II and the Korean War. While in the service of our country, Ruth served tours of duty in the European and Pacific Theaters. During her service, Ruth received the Bronze Star Medal and The Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal along with numerous ribbons and awards for her service. Ruth lived in Hampden for more than 40 years. She is survived by her sisters, Thelma M. Watson and Margaret H. Willard, both of Hampden; one niece, Gail Willard Briggs and her husband, Dudley, of Homer, N.Y.; one nephew, Thom J. Willard and his wife, Virginia, of Houlton; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and special friends, Janice Moody Bradeen, Clara Swan, Roberta Beaudoin Willard and Dot Kehr and her daughters, Alisha and Heather. She was predeceased by a special friend, Priscilla A. Clark in December 2001. A funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, with the Rev. Dr. Deborah M. Jenks, pastor of the Hampden Congregational Church, officiating. Interment in the springtime, with military honors, will be held at Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden. Expressions of sympathy in Ruth’s memory may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
MAJ. RUTH V. WATSON R.N.
