ROCKLAND – Ruth Townsend Carleton, 76, died Feb. 19, 2004, at a Bangor hospital, with her children were at her side, after a valiant battle with nicotine addiction which she conquered later in life. Born April 21, 1927, in Rockland, she was the daughter of Fred and Louise Pierson Townsend. She attended local schools, and after working many years while in her 60s, she returned to school earning her GED certificate. She attended adult education courses at Rockland High School and worked with the Maine Job Service. She enjoyed camping, computers, traveling, especially cruises to the Caribbean, visiting many islands there. Gardening was her passion. Her flower gardens brought recognition from the city of Rockland. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping with her daughter, crafts and crossword puzzles. In her later years, she was a member of the Mid-Coast Gym working out faithfully, once the member of the month. Ruth is survived by her children, Pam Carleton Watson Leach, Stanley “Buddy” Carleton, Linwood “Inky” Holmes, and Gary Carleton, all of Rockland; sisters, Beverly Davis and Mildred Holmes, several nieces and nephews, especially Michelle Cole. Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, where the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday. A get together of family and friends to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 260 Broadway, Rockland, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Maine.
RUTH TOWNSEND CARLETON
