JONESPORT – Local author and raconteur, Ruby Mabelle Kelley Dobbins, Jonesport’s oldest resident since April 2006, peacefully slipped away Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 101 years and 7 months old.
Ruby’s life’s journey was productive. In addition to raising four daughters and helping her husband run his lobster business, she was a graduate of Auburn School of Commerce, a student at Boston College, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Husson College and finally a Master of Arts degree from the University of Maine. She taught business courses in several school systems in Maine and Massachusetts before retiring in 1971. She eventually moved back to her hometown of Jonesport, and became a member of the Literary Club, was past president of Washington County Extension Service and Moose-a-Bec Club for Seniors. She was a member of Eastern Star for more than 60 years and at one time served as worthy matron. Ruby loved putting words together – from poetry jottings, daily-journal entries and crossword puzzles to Scrabble games. These activities lead to her epiphany to write her first book at 88 years old, then her second book was published at 94! She also “kept her hands busy” by knitting colorful afghans and hundreds of cotton dishcloths, sewing lovely patchwork quilts embellished with lace and embroidery in the Victorian style, and hand-hooking many beautiful rugs. Today those creations, given to daughters and granddaughters, are prized possessions.
The last member of the Pearl Higgins and Joseph Warren Kelley family, she was welcomed into heaven by her “mama and papa”; three older brothers, Cecil, Arthur and Maxwell Kelley; two younger sisters, Amy Stather and Algie Robinson; her husband, James H. Dobbins, who passed away in 1970; and her first-born child, Harriet Till, who passed away Jan. 22. She will be especially happy to finally hold her infant son, who died shortly after birth in 1939. Ruby is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Bubar of Franklin, Judith Murdock of Coventry, Conn., and Dorothy Rose Higgins and husband, Dennis, of Jonesport; and son-in-law, Levison Till of Richmond, Va. Her legacy lives on through eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews. The family expresses gratitude to the compassionate staff at Sunrise Care Facility, who provided loving care for Ruby during the last three and a half years of her life.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Greenwood Cemetery, Jonesport, weather permitting. After the committal, the family invites all of Ruby’s friends to a celebratory luncheon starting 12:30 p.m. at Congregational Church, 28 Sawyer’s Square, Jonesport. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jonesport Food Bank, Peabody Memorial Library, Jonesport Historical Society or your favorite charity. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. Condolences may be sent at
www.bragdonkelley.com.