PITTSFIELD – Ruth Ann Bickford, 77, died peacefully Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer, with family by her side. Ruth was born June 15, 1931, in Benton, and was the next to the youngest of 11 children born to her parents, Fred and Mary Killam. She attended Pittsfield schools and graduated from cosmetology school in Skowhegan. Ruth married Arnold Bickford, May 8, 1954, and together they raised their son, Brian. During her career, she worked for Northeast Shoe, Pittsfield; Keyes Fiber, Fairfield; Marden’s Surplus and Salvage, Fairfield; and several years owned and operated her own hair salon, Lord and Ladies, out of her home. She loved shopping, her Siamese cats, Ginger and Pawse, and particularly enjoyed baking specialty desserts from recipes by famous chefs she obtained on the internet for all to sample and enjoy. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Arnold Bickford of Pittsfield; a son, Brian Bickford and his wife, Tamara, of Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Ryan Bickford of Newport, Liza Whitaker and her husband, Howard, of Orlando, Fla., Patrick Bickford of Jersey City, N.J., and Riley Bickford of South Portland; two great-grandchildren, Cole and Andrew Whitaker; a brother, David Killam of Pittsfield; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, four sisters and five brothers, Hazel Danielson, Esther Tilton, Fred Killam, Clarence Killam, Willard Killam, Merle Killam, Pearl Stackhouse, Frances Killam and Myrtle Fairbrother. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield, with the Rev. Scott Jones officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605, in honor of Ruth’s memory. To sign an online guest book and leave a message for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.
RUTH ANN BICKFORD
