COLUMBIA FALLS – Ruth Viola (Allen) Hartford, 86, wife of 65 years to the late Erwest “Tink” Hartford, died peacefully Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at home. Ruth was born Jan. 11, 1925, in Presque Isle, to Samuel and Olive (Glidden) Allen.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; and her beloved brothers, Frances and Sam Allen. Ruth is survived by several nieces and nephews, including her devoted niece and nephew, Sherry Harrison and Robert Look.
Ruth graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1943. Ruth met Tink at the USO, Presque Isle, where he was stationed. They were married in Presque Isle on the first day of June in 1944. Tink’s job gave them the opportunity to travel all over the U.S. Tink temporarily retired in Cape Cod, Mass., and Ruth set up a successful house cleaning business. They both retired and settled in their new house in Columbia Falls in 1988. Ruth was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and volunteered at the Ruggles House. Ruth liked to play golf with Tink, had a great sense of humor and loved jokes. Ruth did not have any children of her own and her cats became her “babies.” Freckles, the cat, traveled all over the U.S. with Ruth and Tink. Ruth had the best care by her caregivers: Erin, Janice, Joan, Kathie and Suzette. Suzette loyally worked for the Hartfords for more than 12 years.
A service of remembrance will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at United Methodist Church, Columbia Falls, with Pastor Jan Reno officiating. The United Methodist Women will provide refreshments after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, care of Dawn Robbins, treasurer, P.O. Box 72, Columbia Falls, ME 04623; Ruggles House, P.O. Box 116, Columbia Falls, ME 04623 or Hospice Department at Community Health and Counseling Services, 42 Cedar St., P.O. Box 425, Bangor, ME 04402, who provided care for Ruth during her final three weeks. Services are under direction of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes.
www.bragdonkelley.com