BAILEYVILLE – Ruth Joan Hartford, 84, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, at her granddaughter’s home in Baileyville. Ruth was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Calais, daughter of the late Edward and Louise (Barnard) Wheelock.
She graduated from Calais Academy, class of 1944. Ruth worked in various stores in the Calais area until she married Arnold “Bud” Hartford, Dec. 3, 1946, in Princeton. She raised her children, and then worked for Algars Cleaners, as well as seasonal work in the local blueberry factories and making wreaths. Ruth was a member of People’s United Methodist Church, Baileyville and First Baptist Church, Calais. She enjoyed playing bingo, cards, knitting, crocheting, traveling to Las Vegas and spending quality time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Arnold; seven brothers, five sisters; and an infant great-grandson, Jacob Papke. Surviving are her two daughters, Joan McLean and her husband, Michael, of Calais, and Jean Neddeau and her husband, Dennis, of Baileyville; sister, Muriel “Molly” MacArthur of Calais; seven grandchildren, Roger Lane and his wife, Shirley, of Baileyville, Beth Olsson and her husband, Jason, of Baileyville, Bonnie Stewart and her husband, Todd, of Robbinston, Lindsey Martin and her husband, Jared, of Augusta, John Neddeau of Princeton, Sherri Emery and her husband, Michael, of Baileyville, and Bette Tomah and her husband, Dennis Jr., of Baileyville; 16 great-grandchildren, Robert and James Lane, Jessica and Jordyn Olsson, Christopher, Daniel and Joshua Stewart, Kyle Martin, Aaron, William and Heidi Neddeau, Michael and James “JD” McLaughlin, Keith Turner, Alexandra Papke and Dennis Tomah III; several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will be after at Baring Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.