FORT FAIRFIELD – Ruth Adams Towle, 88, passed away peacefully, Tuesday morning, May 17, 2011, with her family by her side at a Presque Isle nursing facility, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 16, 1923, in Fort Fairfield, daughter of Edmond L. and Elizabeth (Ruest) Adams.
Ruth was a lifelong resident of Fort Fairfield and graduated from Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1941. She and her high school sweetheart, Hiram E. “Himie” Towle were married May 27, 1944, and remained partners for life, for more than 57 years until his death, Oct. 31, 2001. Ruth’s passions in life were always her family, church and friends. She was a lifelong communicant of Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, and a 50-plus year member of Fort Fairfield Daughters of Isabella, Santa Maria Circle No. 427. Ruth was first and foremost a dedicated homemaker to her family. Her reputation as an excellent cook and baker was known far and wide. Her one special hobby was golf, and she enjoyed being a member of Aroostook Valley Country Club, Fort Fairfield, for many years. She was also a member of Northern Maine Senior Ladies Golf Association for several years. After retiring Ruth and her husband, Hiram, spent some of the best winter months in their lives in Winter Park, Fla., enjoying golfing with many close friends and family.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was predeceased by an infant son, Edmond A. “Eddie” Towle; and three brothers, Thomas, George and Robert Adams. She is survived by her six children, Carmen Towle Reller of Fort Fairfield and St. Pete Beach, Fla., Hiram E. Towle III of Fort Fairfield, Stephen Towle and his wife, Gloria (Currie), of Easton, Thomas Towle and his wife, Susan (Dyer), of Fort Fairfield, Peter Towle of Fort Fairfield and Paul Towle and his wife, Jane (Bernard), of Presque Isle. Ruth was “Grammy Towle” to 12 grandchildren, Kevin Campbell of Durham, N.H., Kimberly Campbell Johnson of West Warwick, R.I., Christopher Campbell of Fort Fairfield, Danielle Wayland of New Boston, N.H., Hiram Towle IV of Greenwood, Landon, Morgann, Kelsey, Shannon and Ian Towle, all of Fort Fairfield, Justin and Jacob Towle, both of Presque Isle; nine great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by many of her extended family and friends, but she still enjoyed the company of her sisters-in-law, Marcia Adams of Fort Fairfield, Clara Towle Hussey of Mars Hill, Mavis Towle of Fort Fairfield; brother-in-law, Harold Kinney of Presque Isle and Easton; and niece, Judy (Smith) Young of Fort Fairfield; and a very special lifelong friend, Anna Marie Putnam of Limestone. Ruth was very appreciative of the kind and professional care she received from the staff at Leisure Village and Presque Isle Nursing Home and Hospice Care during the past few months.
Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service will be conducted 7 p.m. by the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie, celebrant. Interment will be held after the Mass at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held after the interment service at St. Denis Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mrs. Towle to Fort Fairfield Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.