ATKINSON – Ruth Isabel Merrill Kinney, died Dec. 18, 2007, at a Dover-Foxcroft nursing home. She was born June 30, 1921, in Atkinson, the eldest daughter of Clifford and Lucetta (Doore) Merrill. She graduated from Higgins Classical Institute, Charleston, Class of 1940. She graduated from Beal Business College the following year. Upon completion of her business course, she went to Washington, D.C., to work for the U.S. government, later being transferred to the Empire State Building, New York City. On May 22, 1942, she was married to Richard Kinney at Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. Later in life, she went to work at the Farmer’s Home Administration office, Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station, retiring from the Social Security office. Ruth was a member of United Baptist Church, Dover-Foxcroft. She also sang in the choirs at Hermon Baptist Church, Hermon; Columbia Street Baptist Church, Bangor; and the Dover-Foxcroft United Baptist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star Rebekah Lodge, Hermon, serving as musician. In later years she developed an avid interest in genealogy, making numerous trips throughout New England adding considerable information to the family tree. She was a loving and proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by two sons, David R. Kinney and wife, Alice, of Atkinson and their children, Randa and Mark Rineer of Landisville, Pa., Robert and Rachel Kinney of Woodbridge, Va., and Reid and Jessica Kinney of Topsham, and Daniel Kinney and wife, Tanya, of Brewer and their children, Angel and Jack Dean of Windham, Julie and Josh Rancourt of Somersworth, N.H.; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Allie Dean, Sophie and Alexandra Rancourt, Will, John, and Miriam Kinney, Katelynn Kinney, Addison and Miraliese Rineer. Ruth also leaves behind two devoted sisters, Eunice (Merrill) Mitchell and Rebecca (Merrill) Kinney, both of Dover-Foxcroft. The sisters enjoyed many wonderful activities together, including Friday sewing times. Ruth also leaves numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and a great-granddaughter, Isabel Cate Rineer. Friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at the United Baptist Church, Dover-Foxcroft, with the Rev. Ray Beless officiating. Spring burial will be at Atkinson Corner Cemetery, Atkinson. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Isabel’s Hope Endowment, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Office of University Development, A120, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
RUTH ISABEL MERRILL KINNEY
