Obituary of Ruth C. Holmes

RUTH C. HOLMES, 64, passed away December 22, 2012, the result of a “black ice” automobile accident in Freedom, Maine. She was born April 1, 1948 in Belfast, Maine, daughter of Herbert “Mike” and Betty (Woodbury) Collins. Ruth graduated with honors from Belfast Area High School, Class of 1966 and attended USM attaining a BS Degree in Elementary Education. She completed her Masters Degree in Reading Recovery at UMO. Ms. Holmes, as her students called her, began teaching fourth grade in Searsport, then held positions at Nickerson School in Swanville, Drinkwater School in Northport, retiring from C.A.S.S. in Belfast. Ruth’s 30+ years of instruction also included Humpty Dumpty Pre-School at her home. She was a beautiful, better than average athlete, excelling in basketball for Crosby High School and BAHS. Ruth participated in golf, water skiing, ice skating, table tennis and could punt a football as well as any guy. She had been a 15+ year volunteer at the First Church Wreath Project, an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, past President of the BAHS Athletic Booster Club and was the driving force behind the artificial surface of the outdoor track. Ruth enjoyed swimming and walking at the Belfast YMCA, garnering kudos for her “Cannon Balling”. She was a Girl Scout herself and gave back much more as a leader for many years!!! When she wasn’t traveling with “The Girls”, she could be found at Holmes Greenhouse and Florist where her skills were used in all areas of the business. She would open the door at any time to help our customers, day or night. Ruth was kind and giving, supporting family and many, many members of the community. She absolutely loved reading, auctions and yard sales, holding some of her own each season. Ruth also enjoyed all types of garden work and was very proud of her “hosta beds”. Her devotion and support of Belfast Field Hockey was remarkable and greatly appreciated by all. The sorrow seems unbearable at times for her husband of 43 years, Allen Holmes, as well as our three children and their sons and daughters, Janet Holmes Jackson, her husband Todd, and their son Connor and daughter Cassie; Jon and Margot (Rounds) Holmes, and their daughter Lily and son Ridley; and Joe and Ashley (Smart) Holmes, and their sons Gabe and Finn. She is survived by her mother, Betty Collins and brother Steven and sister-in-law Nilda Collins, their children Christina and Patrick; brother-in-law Richard Holmes and special friends, Ron Dow, Dennis and Jayne Hart, Brian and Marie Cates, Gary Shaw and Clyde Grant. The good times will always be remembered with Patricia, Hazle, Sue, Sharon G., Michelle, Di, Letitia, Shelley, Georgene, Rainey, Terry, Brenda, Sharon B., Bonnie, Sharon F. and Marci and Linda. There is not enough room to mention all the friends who have extended their support for our unexpected loss. Thank you from the Holmes Family. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 28, 2012 at 1 p.m. at First Church, Church Street, Belfast with Pastors Kate Winters and Joel Krueger officiating. Burial will be at Grove Cemetery, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to “Books for Babes”, c/o Lynn Hoenig, Treasurer, 1067 East Waldo Road, Belfast, ME 04915. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.ripostafh.com.