CARIBOU and SARASOTA, Fla. – Ruth C. Silsbee, 84, died May 14, 2013, at Sarasota, Fla., after a period of declining health. She was born April 7, 1929, in Avoca, N.Y., daughter of the late Elden and Bernice (Adams) Cook.
She was a graduate of Avoca High School and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Geneseo State College. Mrs. Silsbee was a retired elementary school teacher having taught in the New York, Rhode Island and Caribou School systems for many years. She was an active 50 year member of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school. Ruth was also active in 4-H, was a Cub Scout leader and was a member of Maine Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her lovely flower gardens. Mrs. Silsbee was also a longtime volunteer at Cary Medical Center, Caribou, as well as Doctor’s Hospital, Sarasota, Fla.
Surviving in addition to her husband of more than 62 years, L. Ward Silsbee of Sarasota, Fla., and Caribou; is two sons, Gary Silsbee and wife, Audrey, and David Silsbee and companion, Sue Parker, all of Caribou; daughter, Susanne LaForge and husband, Daniel, of Augusta; brother, Carlton Cook and wife, Elmina, of Bath, N.Y.; grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Shawn and Heather Silsbee and Garret and Bret LaForge; great-grandson, Evan Silsbee; special niece, Elaine LaForge of New York; as well as many special friends at Oakwood Manor and Saint James Church in Florida.
Private family services will be held at a late date. Interment will be at Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Silsbee may do so though Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, Sharing the Grace Fund, P.O. Box 69, Caribou, ME 04736 or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
Ruth C. Silsbee
