WATERVILLE and NAPLES, Fla. – Ruth Dudley Barry, 83, formerly of Bangor, passed away Sept. 12, 2009, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville. She was born Oct. 5, 1925, daughter of Ira and Marjorie Tozier Dudley. Ruth grew up in West Enfield and Bar Harbor, graduating from Bar Harbor High School. She graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Education in administration. From 1977 to 1988, she was assistant dean of student affairs at the University of Maine, Orono, responsible for the development and coordination of all services related to the international student population. Upon retiring she was awarded the title of assistant dean emerita of student services. In 1979 Ruth was selected by the Chinese Ministry of Education as one of 10 international student advisors from throughout the United States to visit Taiwan. This was a cultural exchange focusing on the educational, economic and social conditions of the country. She also attended cultural exchanges in Norway and India. Because of her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, after retiring she and her husband, John, traveled throughout the United States participating in many elder hostel programs. They retired to Naples, Fla., in 1993. In Naples, Fla., Ruth was a volunteer at Naples Community Hospital earning more than 1,000 volunteer hours. She also volunteered at Sugden Theater, where she enjoyed meeting and talking to many interesting people. Ruth always had a positive attitude and encouraged her children and grandchildren to get an education and be the best they could be. She constantly reminded them that no one can take your education away from you and anything worth doing is worth doing well. She was predeceased by her parents, Marjorie and Ira Dudley; a twin brother at birth; sister, Phyllis Perry; and husband, John Barry. Survivors include daughter, Jill Hodsdon and husband, Albert and granddaughter, Canbra Hodsdon; son, John Barry Jr. and wife, Ellen and grandson, Alex Barry and wife, Jessica, granddaughter, Heather Baines and her husband, Cole, and great-granddaughter, Kayla Baines; and cousin, Charlotte Clark. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Naples, Fla., neighbors, Virginia and Louis Moore and Susan and Richard Jarmer, hospice, all the staff and friends at Oak Grove Center, especially Renee and her dogs for their loving, kind and compassionate care of Ruth. There will be no visiting hours. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in Ruth’s honor may be made to the University of Maine Alumnae Association, One Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469 or Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave. South, Naples, FL 34102. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Redington Funeral Home, 5 Park St., Waterville.
RUTH DUDLEY BARRY
