Ruth D. Libby

OAKLAND -- Ruth D. Libby passed away March 9, 2011, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center in Waterville, following a brief illness.

Ruth was born Aug. 9, 1921, in South Paris, the youngest daughter of Carroll and Margery Doten.

During World War II, Ruth moved to Portland to work in the shipyards. Following the war, she remained in Portland for many years, working at local shoe factories. In 1972, she returned to Oakland and worked at the shoe shop in Norridgewock until she retired.

Ruth had an ear for music. She played the saxophone, keyboard and accordion, even writing her own music. She could be found every Saturday night at 5 p.m. watching "Lawrence Welk" with her good friend Judy Nichols. She also enjoyed dancing, and cut many a rug during her years in the Portland area.

Born into a family of veterans, Ruth learned at a young age what it meant to serve others. She was the longest continuous member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Decker-Simmons Unit 51 in Oakland, with 66 consecutive years of membership. She served the unit in many capacities, including president. She also served as Kennebec County president. She was extremely proud when her daughter, Sandra Steward, was elected as state president of the organization in 1979.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Irma Rushton; her daughter, Sandra Steward; and great-grandson Zachary McRae.

Ruth is survived by her granddaughter, Michelle McRae, and her companion, Pete Silva, of Dade City, Fla.; great-grandsons Matthew Cote of Oakland and Army Spc. Joshua Cote, currently stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.; a grandson, Charles Strom of Oxford, Mass.; and great-grandsons Dustin Nickerson of Bangor, and Chaz and Michael Strom of Massachusetts. She is also survived by close friends Judy Nichols of Oakland and Bob French of Winslow.

The family would like to send a special thank-you to the employees at Lakewood Continuing Care Center and MaineGeneral HealthReach Hospice.

At Ruth's request, there will be no funeral or visitation hours. Burial will occur at the Lewis Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Lakewood Continuing Care Center, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901, earmarked "In memory of Ruth Libby, Activities Department."