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Ruby Ellis Obituary

BELGRADE -- Ruby H. Ellis, 95, died Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Oak Grove Living Center in Waterville.

She was born in North Belgrade on March 2, 1914, the daughter of Albert and Mattie (Foster) Furbush.

Ruby lived in North Belgrade her entire life. She operated housekeeping camps on Salmon Lake for many years, ran a laundry for Camp Kennebec and did housekeeping for several camps. She truly enjoyed the North Belgrade summer visitors.

Ruby was always on the go and enjoyed traveling. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the women of North Belgrade Wednesday Club and faithfully attended the North Belgrade Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and was involved in the community potluck suppers. She was known for her fudge, cookies and yeast rolls. Ruby liked to knit and crochet, but her best times were spent being with her grandchildren.

Her husband of 53 years, Reginald Ellis Sr., died previously along with a son, Reginald Ellis Jr., and a daughter, Elaine Barton; five brothers, Clarence, Maynard, Frank, David and Donald; sisters Hattie Witham, Mae Farnham, and Velma Sullivan; and a brother-in-law, Charles Ellis.

Surviving are a son, William Ellis of North Belgrade; a daughter, Charlene Hewett and her husband, Charles, of Oakland; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Irene Furbush of North Belgrade; and a brother-in-law, Linwood Sullivan of Massachusetts.

Ruby's family would like to extend a special thank-you to the Oak Grove Living Center and to Dr. Bruce Hebda for the excellent care and support given them during Ruby's illness.

There will be no public visiting hours. A graveside service will take place in the spring at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home of Oakland.

Those who wish may make memorial donations in her memory to North Belgrade Baptist Church, 8 Station Road, Belgrade, ME 04917.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Sentinel on Mar. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruby Ellis

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Mike Iannicelli

March 26, 2009

A North Belgrade institution is gone but, not the memories: Ruby, Reg and Uncle (Charles) were usually the first to greet us when we arrived at "The Colony" and the last to say goodbye before the long drive to PA. I have fond memories sitting in Ruby's kitchen with my family eating some home-baked treat and listening to stories of the Maine winters and life after the summer folks have gone. Ruby had a generous spirit toward others, and was a friend to our family for 50 years. She will be missed by all who knew her. My sympathies to Edward, Charlene, and the rest of the family.

Susan Damren

March 24, 2009

Sure isn't the same at home in North Belgrade without our Ruby. I will always cherish all the times we had with her. A very loving lady that took care of us all! My deepest sympathy to Edward, Charlene and families.

Phyl and Bill Iannicelli

March 19, 2009

We were so blessed to have had Ruby in our lives every summer for 50 years. We are very thankful for all the wonderful memories we have of the many good times we shared. We will miss her love and friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family.

Susan (Iannicelli) Ostman

March 15, 2009

Ruby was such a very special friend to our family for such a long time. From my first summer (I was five years old) coming to Ellis' Camps with Mom and Dad (Phyl and Bill Iannicelli),and my brother, Michael, Ruby and Reg were a huge part of our summers. Her bright, beautiful smile, her warm hugs and her delicious baking - her blond brownies were my favorite!! - will always be remembered. When you walked up from the cabin to put the garbage in the can and fill up the water jugs, you always were welcomed inside her cheerful kitchen to say hello. Mom and Dad spent many evenings playing UNO or scrabble and enjoying each other's company with Ruby, Reg, Edward and others. Ruby, you will be missed - you were loved and will always be remembered for your cheerfulness, hard work and big heart. Those beautiful, sparkling blue eyes were indicative of your generous spirit. Thank you for so many wondrous, summer memories.

David Alexander & Family

March 11, 2009

Aunt Ruby was Maine for many of us folks "from away". How wonderful it was to visit with her in her kitchen; to fill up our water jugs at the spiget, and to feed the pigs with table scraps(way back when) . Aunt Ruby will be sorely missed but we thankfully have many cherished memories of spending time with her.

Lou & Dan Alexander & Family

March 5, 2009

How can we come back to Maine and not see your smiling face? You made everyone feel like family with your loving ways. For over 50 years you were there for us. We will never forget how you were always ready to welcome us into your cozy kitchen and warm heart . You were like a mother to everyone. We will miss you very much but are thankful for having had your love and friendship. Our deepest sympathy to Edward, Charlene and all the kids who loved their grammy so much.

Kay and Bob Rutherford

March 5, 2009

Ruby was the most beautiful,fun and loving lady whose friendship will be sadly missed by those of us who treasured her company every summer. I picture her in heaven with a piece of fudge for our "angel"Brandi! Our deepest sympathy to all her family.

Jeanne Carrell Philson Sommers

March 5, 2009

Aunt Ruby was the sweetest and best great aunt ever. Always looked forward to hearing her sweet voice and seeing her wonderful smile. Aunt Ruby, you will be missed by us all.

Becky Nutter

March 5, 2009

Ruby, you will be sadly missed! Its a shame you had to leave, I was just growing so fond of you. I would always wave to you and a big smile would appear from ear to ear. I also remember putting food down and your reply was "oh my, that looks delicious" My tears shed for you and your family. Now your in heaven, where you will pass on your smiles and kindness. Someday Ruby, i'll see you again!
my mother already signed this for me and my sis but i felt a few things were missing about you hun!
Prayers are with your family and much love is with you
I Sure will miss that smile though, everyday i work.

Jane Bickford

March 4, 2009

Family of Ruby Ellis

So sorry to hear of Ruby's passing. I can see her now with that big smile and saying how nice it is to see you. She was such a wonderful lady and she never changed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Mal and Ellie Dawson

March 4, 2009

We had the opportunity to know Ruby since the mid 1960's. She was a very special lady who brought joy, an infectious smile and showed care for everyone. We lived for many years in her summer camps and then later as neighbors on the lake we all love. Now Ruby and Reggie are together again - right where she always wanted to be.
Our sympathies to Doc and Charlene. You were privileged to have such a wonderful mother. We were only her friends.

Edson R. Small Jr.

March 4, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Ruby and her Family.

Marion Billie Becky Nutter

March 4, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ruby will be greatly missed by myself and my girls we saw her almost on a daily basis and became very fond of her and her very contagious smile Our love to all.

larissa alexander

March 4, 2009

I'll always remember getting fudge every year and Ruby watching me ride my horse almost everyday. She was a very sweet woman and will be greatly missed. Her heart was that of gold and no matter who you were her love could always be felt toward you. My deepest sympathy to her family in this time of loss..

Janette Austin

March 4, 2009

Always will remember Ruby's ready smile and love for all she met. I consider myself the lucky one for having her in my life for a while. Sincere sympathies to the family.

Ed & Debbie Prosienski

March 4, 2009

Family of Ruby Ellis:

Our prayers to all of you. My mom, Catherine (Stevens) Crawford loved your mom and I remembered visiting Ruby all through my childhood. She had a smile and laugh that would light any room and you always felt love around her. God Bless

Nancy Witham

March 4, 2009

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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