EAST MILLINOCKET and MEDWAY – Surrounded by friends and family, Ruby Anna “Ann” Van Dine lost her courageous three-year battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord, Dec. 9, 2007. Her gentle spirit, loyal friendship, infinite wisdom and unwavering faith was, and will always be, an inspiration and encouragement to all who knew her. The cherished wife of Gary Van Dine Sr., beloved mother of six, adored grandmother of 18 and great-grandmother to four, Ann never forgot a birthday and somehow managed to keep current and involved with each person in her life. Born in Medway, Dec. 1, 1940, Ann remained loyal to her roots despite her moves throughout the U.S. and Canada, and returned to Medway in 2003. Ann loved to laugh, reminisce with her brothers and sisters and was open to everything and everyone, never judging what she didn’t understand. She had a keen sense of style, leopard print and anything red, got a hoot out of watching others dance. Her favorite movie of all time was Dirty Dancing, “but only for the music,” her favorite person was, hands down, Grammy Caswell. Favorite song, well, the list is pretty long, she loved it all. Ann chose the road less traveled and made it crazy and fun and wonderful for all her children by making every house a home, creating stories, collecting friends and gifting us all with her legacy of courage, faith and laughter. Forever in our hearts, we will treasure our darling Ann. Ann was predeceased by her husband, Gary Van Dine Sr.; parents, Guila and Clifford Jacobs; and brother, Vernon Jacobs. She is survived by her children, Gareth Van Dine Jr. (Shirley), Eric Van Dine (Debbie), Amy O’Keeffe (Donald), Wendy Van Dine, Mark Van Dine (Dee), Sharon McEachern (Jerry); and son in-law, Jeffrey Fritch; sisters, Desire Rhodes, Barbara Jacobs and Judy Curtis; and brothers, Elwin “Sutt” Jacobs and Harlan Jacobs; and sisters-in-law, Betty McLaughlin, Melissa Thompson, Roberta Snowman and Fonnie Van Dine. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Spring interment will be at Grindstone Road Cemetery, Medway. There will be a gathering after at Calvary Temple- Assembly of God, 2 Orchard St., East Millinocket. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
RUBY ANNA ‘ANN’ VAN DINE
