NEWPORT and FORT FAIRFIELD – Ruth K. McGrath, 81, died Aug. 1, 2006, at her daughter’s residence in Farmingdale after a period of ill health. Ruth was born March 10, 1925, in Grandfalls, New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of Harold and Martha (McCarthy) Kennerson. She was educated in schools of Grandfalls, New Brunswick and was a graduate of Presque Isle High School. She was married to Frank Neilson, who died in 1968 after 20 years of marriage. She was also married to James McGrath, who died in 1984. Ruth was a hard working mother, homemaker and a farm wife for many years. She worked many years as a foster mother, raising several children in Fort Fairfield. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Newport. She worked all year long hand-making afghans, mittens and many other things for the veterans at Togus V.A. Hospital and for the local nursing homes. She was an active member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Newport, and a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Presque Isle. Ruth was a member of the board of directors and an active worker at the Newport Community Food Bank, working every Saturday for several years. She worked at the polling place during elections in Newport for several years. She was a member of the Newport Senior Citizens and a member of the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club. She is survived by her son, Herbert Hunt of Newport; a daughter, Frances Casey and her partner, Gary Hamilton, of Farmingdale; two brothers, Eugene Kennerson of New Hartford, Conn., Davis Kennerson of Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada; six sisters, Marion Seile of Lakewales, Fla., Josephine Polomba of Tamarac, Fla., Madeline Kelley of Caribou, Rita Bunnell of Terryville, Conn., Edith McCarthy and Linda Caissie, both of Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada; 10 grandchildren, Blair Tinkham and his wife, Lynn, Truman, Todd, Carla, Lisa, Brenda, Rhonda, Timmy, Ashley and Brock. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, including two special ones, Campton and Parker; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will also be remembered by her “adopted daughter,” Jane Dunn of Gardner. She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda; and three brothers, Kenneth, Charles and Floyd. Ruth loved animals, especially her long time companion, “Fluffy the cat.” Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Brown Funeral Home, 34 High St., Newport. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday at the Calvary Baptist Church, Grove Street, Newport, with the Rev. George Finnemore officiating. Friends may call again noon-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at the Dorsey Funeral Home, 44 Lower Main St., Fort Fairfield. Burial will be held 2:30 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to the Newport Community Food Bank, 26 High St., Newport, ME 04953. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes, please visit www.philipbrownfuneralhome.com
RUTH K. MCGRATH
