BELFAST – Ruth Mildred Dow Lawless, 94, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Winship Green Nursing Center, Bath. Ruth was born Dec. 23, 1916, on the family farm in Prospect, daughter of Lester and Hannah Clark Dow.
When Ruth was in the fifth grade her family moved to Belfast, where they ran a store. Upon completing high school Ruth went to work for Belfast Telephone Co. She loved to tell the story of how she was working alone at the switchboard the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked – one of the busiest days ever for the phone company. She met a handsome young skater, Richard “Jake” Lawless, who told her that he did not like to dance, but that he liked to hold her while she did. They were married in 1942, and spent 60 years together in Massachusetts during World War II and then returned to Belfast. Ruth loved Belfast, the place, the people and the bay. Ruth loved to sing and sang in the choir at the Baptist Church and later at First Church – Congregational. She loved people and donated many hours to charitable causes. She participated in Lionettes, Garden Club, Eight O’Clock Club and Crosby High School Reunion Committee. She and her family spent many happy hours at Swan Lake at the cottage of her beloved cousin, Martha Marden and her family.
She was predeceased by her brother, Earl Dow and his wife, Elsie, of Stockton Springs; and her husband, Richard Lawless. She is survived by her son, Gary and his wife, Beth Leonard, of Nobleboro; several nieces and nephews, including Ann Davis Hall and Diane Davis, both of Belfast. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Winship Green Nursing Facility, Bath. Ruth loved to dance. We wish that you dance one more dance, with her in your heart, live with kindness, and love the world, as she did.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name could be sent to Waldo County General Hospital, Northport Avenue, Belfast, ME 04915. Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. Memorial condolences may be expressed at
www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com.