RUTH BUTTERFIELD WEEKS

BANGOR – Ruth Butterfield Weeks, 80, died Oct. 5, 2004, at Westgate Manor, her loving home since August 1999. She was born May 5, 1924, in Bangor, the daughter of the late Wilfred I. and Margaret Ayer Butterfield. Ruth lived most of her life in her family home on Maple Street in Bangor. She was a graduate of Bangor High School, Class of 1942. LaSalle Junior College and the University of Maine, where she earned her bachelors degree in Romance Languages. In May 1969, she received a master of education degree following her fellowship with the Cooperating Rural Resource Teacher Grant at the University of Maine, where she later also earned a certificate of advanced studies. Ruth taught third grade at Hermon Elementary School until her retirement in 1988. She was an innovative teacher who care deeply about each student. Prior to her teaching career, she worked at Eastern Trust and Banking Co. and Merrill Trust Co. in downtown Bangor. Ruth was a member of Junior League of Bangor, Quipus Club, Bangor Nature Club, Tuscan Chapter of Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She also served on the Phillips-Strickland House Board of Incorporators. Ruth enjoyed music, drama, travel, art, literature and crafts. She and her teacher friend, Frances Graham, toured children’s literature sites in England and Scotland in 1978 and traveled to British Columbia in 1983. She treasured the lifetime of summers she spent at her family camp at Nicatous Lake, where she enjoyed visits from family and friends, picked blueberries and pursued her many hobbies, especially swinging in her hammock. Those who knew Ruth appreciated her laughter and boundless energy, and her love of children and animals. Even years later, former students would approach and remember her fondly. Her beloved older brother, the late Dr. Wilfred I. Butterfield of Lincoln and his family always looked forward to her visits on his Christmas Eve birthdays. No matter how foul the winter weather, Ruth always made it to the party and lifted everyone’s spirits with her quick wit and fun gifts. Afternoons at her brother’s camp at Cold Stream Pond were never quiet when Ruth was around. Laughter and story telling were the usual calling, often with Ruth making fun of her own past antics. Ruth is survived by her cherished granddaughter, Kath-erine Weeks, whom she called “my Katie”, of Lake Tahoe, Calif., formerly of Hampden; two sons, Richard Weeks and his fianc?e, Peg Worth, of Belfast and Robert Weeks of Greenbush; nieces, Audrey Butterfield Knight of Harpswell and Elizabeth Butterfield Webster of Cape Elizabeth; nephew, Dr. Wilfred I. Butterfield III of Holliston, Mass. and their families, friend and guardian, Shirlee Smith (Kate’s Mom) and her husband, Timothy of Hampden; cousins from Lincoln and many very special friends. She was predeceased by her dear brother, Dr. Wilfred I. Butterfield and his wife, Elizabeth of Lincoln. Ruth’s greatest joy in life came from the time she spent with her granddaughter, Kate. In earlier years, Ruth cared for Kate, and later during Ruth’s illness, Kate became her caregiver. It was during this special time that Ruth inspired her granddaughter to study and pursue her career in nursing. Ruth’s family is extremely grateful for the excellent and compassionate care she received from all of the staff at Westgate Manor. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, with the Rev. Adam Soderberg officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way may make gifts to the Resident Council Activity Fund, care of Westgate Manor, 750 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401, designated for music entertainment in Ruth’s memory.