MILBRIDGE – Ruth Elizabeth Birdsall Stanley died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, Waterville. She was born Oct. 13, 1918, in South Willington, Conn., to Rollin L. and Luce (Storrs) Birdsall.
She graduated from Enfield High School in 1936 and from Central Connecticut State Teachers College, New Britain, Conn., in 1940. For six years she taught school in Hartford, Conn., and Rocky Hill, Conn. On Nov. 2, 1946, she married Alvin Stanley and they moved to his hometown of Milbridge. After his death in 1958, and left with three small children to raise, she achieved her Maine Teaching Certificate. She began teaching first grade at Milbridge Elementary School in 1960 until her retirement in 1983. Throughout that time she supported her children in their 4-H, school and church activities. Upon retirement she had time to pursue many other endeavors and interests. She had a continuing love of learning and was able to attend a few Elder hostile retreats in New England and Nova Scotia. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with all current events locally and worldwide, playing Scrabble and Mahjong, doing the daily crossword puzzle, and cheering for the Red Sox and New England Patriots. She completed many sewing projects and enjoyed cooking. Many people have enjoyed her popovers, lemon meringue pies and doughnuts, which were always a coveted item at the church bake sales. Ruth was very active in Milbridge Congregational Church, holding various offices from time to time, playing the piano when needed, organizing church suppers, teaching Sunday school, belonging to the Women’s Group and singing in the choir for many years. She also enjoyed the fellowship of the basket group, making many baskets and selling some at the church fairs as fund raisers. She was also a member of Alcyon Eastern Star, and volunteered at the school library. Ruth was very active with Milbridge Historical Society from its beginning, volunteering at the museum and keeping the scrapbooks of all news items pertaining to the town, past and present. She cherished the fond memories of her childhood, where life was a struggle, but was rich in close family relationships. She worked to continue these family ties far outside the immediate family, keeping in touch with letters and cards. She never seemed to forget a birthday. Other fond memories involving family were at Fickett’s Point and Schoodic Point. Until 2008, Ruth was fortunate to maintain her independence. At that time she moved to an assisted living facility in Waterville to be closer to her daughter. Later that year she moved to Lakewood. Her sharp mind and memory stayed with her until the end.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, husband; and all of her siblings, Lucy Birdsall, Olive Treadwell, Cynthia Sudsbury, Thomas Birdsall and Priscilla Couture. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Sprague and husband, Phil, of Belgrade; and her sons, Robert Stanley of Milbridge and Richard Stanley of New York City. She has seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Marie. The family thanks Lakewood for all their care, several members of Oakland-Sidney Methodist Church who visited often, and her wonderful church family in Milbridge, who never forgot her and of who she cherished.
Visiting hours are will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Milbridge Chapel of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes. A memorial is scheduled 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Milbridge Congregational Church, 10 Bridge St., Milbridge. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a donation to Milbridge Congregational Church or Milbridge Historical Society.
Ruth Elizabeth Birdsall Stanley
