Obituary of Ruth Ellie Woods

Meddybemps – Ruth E Woods, 90, died August 23, 2022, at her home in Meddybemps, the same house where she was born on May 4th, 1932.  Ruth was the daughter of Robert and Bessie Gillespie.  She met her husband-to-be, George, at Calais Academy.  She went on to graduate from The Madigan School of Nursing in 1953 as a registered nurse and worked at Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast for a number of years.  She and her husband George lived in Swanville for many years where they raised their three children, Teresa, Michael, and Joseph.  In 1984 Ruth and George returned to Meddybemps to be closer to her Mother and other family members.  She enjoyed walks on the farm, golfing with friends, and staying active with her family and grandchildren.  She could often be found visiting her sister, Joyce, and particularly enjoyed her daily conversations with her college friend Marcia Smith, who passed away last year.  Ruth was fortunate to have her sister-in-law, Jane, across the street and looked forward to their weekly visits.  A competitor at heart Ruth enjoyed playing golf with her granddaughter Laura and never shied away from a game of pig with her grandchildren Nolan, Emily and Sarah.  Ruth lived a long and full life and was a strong, independent, capable person, she will be sadly missed by many who knew and loved her.  Ruth was predeceased by her husband George of 41 years.  She was also predeceased by her brothers, Everett, Dale, and Charles, and her sister Hilda.  She is survived by her sister Joyce Brown and husband Bob of Meddybemps and her sister-in-law Jane Gillespie.  She is also survived by her daughter Teresa and husband Mike of Cooper, her son Michael of Meddybemps, and her son Joseph and wife Susan, of Belfast, 4 grandchildren, Laura Cousins, Nolan, Emily, and Sarah Woods, and several nieces and nephews.  A graveside service for family members will be held on Saturday, August 27th at 11 am at Meddybemps Cemtery.  Memorial donations can be made to Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry on Main Street in Calais.