FRANKFORT – Ruth Ramona Whittlesey, 78, passed away peacefully Aug. 11, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. Ruth was born March 17, 1931, in Waterford, Conn., to the late Chesley G. and Lulu F. (Crane) Johnson. Ruth and William spent 49 years of marriage together, the first 23 traveling through the ups and downs of military life. During this time Ruth raised four children, managed their home and spent extra time traveling with family and friends. Ruth loved camping, sewing, crocheting, puzzles, and spending time with her kids. Favorite times of the year for Ruth were big dinners and holidays, especially Christmas Eve with Santa Claus. Ruth and William spent 33 years in Maine after his military service. Ruth will be missed by all who knew her. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Kathy J. Lyford and husband and favorite son-in-law, Kenneth E. Lyford Jr., and Karen A. Smith of Brewer; two sons, William N. Whittlesey II and wife, Margaret, of Winterport and Alan W. Whittlesey and wife, Lynne, of Newburgh; two younger sisters, Alice Wright and husband, Franklin, of Frankfort and Shirley Johnson of Bangor; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, William N. Whittlesey; a daughter, Linda L. Whittlesey; brothers, Chesley and Fredrick Johnson; and a sister, Joyce Bruneau. Ruth’s family thanks Waldo County Home Health and Hospice as well as Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Palliative Care and Grant 6 for their care and compassion during their time of need. Family and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Interment will be at East Lyme Cemetery, East Lyme, Conn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
RUTH R. WHITTLESEY
