Ruth A Clemons

Ruth Arris Clemons daugther of Alice and George Arris died peacefully on June 24, 2012. Ruth was born in Madison, Maine on February 21, 1930. Ruth moved to Skowhegan as a child where she remained for much of her life. Ruth graduated from Skowhegan High School and worked in the local shoe factory.

Ruth is survived by her beloved husband Richard Clemons. She has three children Ellen Smith, her husband Steve and their two children Christopher and Kayla, Wayne Longevin, his wife Shelly and their four children Dallas, Justin, Tony and Tommy, and Richard Longevin. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Persis Corson, and was predeceased by another sister Pearl Foster and a brother Glen Withee. Ruth is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ruth fought a courageous battle against a rare form of thyroid cancer that started in 1959, and she always maintained a positive attitude to the end. Ruth became known for her kindness throughout the many stays in hospitals and facilities especially during the last year of her life. Although her disease took her voice it never took away her ability to communicate the kindness she showed everyone.

Ruth loved the outside particularly during the summer months. She enjoyed camping each summer especially with her close friends Arlene and Clifford Brooks. Ruth touched many lives with her optimistic attitude especially those with the Take Off Pounds Sensibly Program (TOPS). Ruth enjoyed being the weight recorder for TOPS for eighteen years. It brought her great joy to help others achieve their goals. Ruth was also a member of the Order of Rebecca’s early in her life. Ruth enjoyed many hours of working in her flower gardens and when younger she would preserve her own vegetables for the long months of winter. Ruth also enjoyed cooking, sewing and making crafts. Ruth will be missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the kindness with those she touched.

Thank you to all the friends and family members who sent Ruth cards during the past few months. It was a very comforting to her to read the many cards and letters she received daily.

Please join Ruth's family in celebration of her life. Visiting hours will be on Thursday June 28, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A funeral service will be held on Friday June 29, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Avenue, Skowhegan, Maine with Reverend Mark Tanner officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Ruth Clemons to Thyroid Cancer Research, Dr. Lori Wirth, at Massachusetts General Hospital, mail to: Mass General Development Office, Thyroid Cancer Research, Dr. Lori Wirth, Attention: Lindsay Simpson, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02191