BENTON – Ralph Benton “Barney” Pillsbury of Benton died at a local hospital Saturday, May 21, 2005, following a brief illness. He and his twin sister Ruth were born Dec. 17, 1919, in Benton, to the late Grace Mildred (Brown) and Ralph Byron Pillsbury. They joined their other siblings Wallace, Parker, Laurence, and Helena, in their Benton home on Benton Avenue. He was educated at Benton Grammar School and graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1938, where he excelled in football. He studied business at the Thomas Business School in Waterville. March 31, 1945, he married the love of his life, Ethel Phyllis McKenney. They lovingly raised four sons, James Bowman and Ralph “Byron”, Richard, and Robert Pillsbury. He and his wife enjoyed their membership in the “Holiday Rambler” Travel Trailer Club throughout New England. He enjoyed antique tractors, agricultural fairs, public suppers, parades, and eating with friends at the Truckers International. He is well known for his unique gift of remembering countless anniversaries and birthdays. Ralph and Ethel celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this year. Ralph served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during World War II. He worked at the John Deere Farm Equipment business originally started by his grandfather, W.S. Pillsbury and Son, and later became its president. He was proud that the company was known as “The Farmer’s Friend.” He retired in 1983. He enjoyed and generously returned the love of his nine grandchildren, Benjamin Bowman, and Rocy, Morgan, Wyatt, Cassie, Ashley, Zachary, Richard, and Connor Pillsbury. He spent many hours encouraging his nine grandchildren in school, arts, and in religious and athletic endeavors. Throughout his life he was an ardent Lawrence sports fan, and earned the Bulldog Pride Award for Football and the Pride and Tradition Award from the boy’s basketball program. He was particularly humbled when he was honored as a Lawrence High School Alumni Association Bulldog Award recipient. He joyfully and generously supported youth sports activities, including Pillsbury Little League Baseball, for which he maintained sponsorship as one of the original league teams for 50 years. He was an avid supporter of Lawrence High School athletics. He was a Benton School Board member, a member of the Kiwanis, and a V.F.W. member. He was a member of the Fairfield First Baptist Church. He is predeceased by his five siblings; his beloved son, Ralph “Byron”; and grandson, Wyatt Simeon. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Ethel P. Pillsbury of Benton; sons and their wives, James and Rita Bowman of Benton, Richard and Rosemary Pillsbury of Unity, and Robert and Kelly Pillsbury of Benton; his sister-in-law, Doris Pillsbury of Waterville; his eight surviving grandchildren; his cousin, Martha Patterson of Benton; and many nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law. Visiting hours will be held 5-8 p.m. Monday at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the family plot at Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterville, with the Rev. David Johnston, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fairfield P.A.L. Little League Baseball program, care of Richard McGee, 105 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937, would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com Arrangements are with Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
RALPH BENTON ‘BARNEY’ PILLSBURY
