Ruth Lake LaVine

Ruth was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire, May 12,1928, the daughter of LeRoy Lake and Marien Thurston, and it was in the small town of Brentwood New Hampshire where Ruth grew up on the family farm. Ruth's young life was not an easy one, and with strength and determination, she left home at the age of 16. Without any financial assistance, she went on to put herself through college, earning her degree in Education at Keene State Teachers College in Keene, New Hampshire. It was also at Keene State that she met Bob (Clylde) LaVine of Ludlow, Vermont, who was her beloved spouse of 68 years.

Ruth had a passion for teaching; especially reading. She taught various elementary grades throughout her career, but first grade was her heart, and Ruth wasn’t just a good teacher, she was a great teacher. She taught hundreds of young children to read, especially those others gave up on. Ruth taught in many schools in New Hampshire, and upon moving to Maine taught first grade at Poland Community School. Not only did she teach throughout the school year, but Ruth taught summer school for many years, and when the funding was not there, she went on to do it for free,often providing transportation for those who needed it. It was from Poland Community School in Poland, Maine where Ruth retired at the age of 78.

Ruth was also an avid knitter, sewer and baker, and it was rare that she was not busy with one or another of these crafts. Ruth was highly skilled with her knitting and sewing, from the simple to the complex, and her knitting needles were like an extension of her hands – gentle, hard-working, and extremely talented. When it came to her baking, her cookies and muffins were well-known by her Court Street Baptist Church family. She was always happy to share her gifts and did so with pride and joy. Ruth loved God, and her church. She sang in the church choir, played in the bell choir, participated in Helping Hands, and loved going to the weekly Gathering. Her church was her heart and her home for many special years, and before Ruth’s passing, she was gifted with their songs and prayer at her bedside.

More than anything, Ruth loved her children. Her heart was and will always be with her 6 children - three boys and three girls born to Ruth and Bob over eighteen years. It is with great sadness but immense love that her four surviving children say goodbye for now.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband Bob (Clyde) LaVine, her eldest son Michael Gordon LaVine, and her eldest daughter Kimberly Dianne LaVine and fiancé Edward Smith Jr. whom she lost tragically to murder in 1985. She is also predeceased by her father, Leroy Lake and mother, Marien Thurston, sisters Shirley Goodrich, Mary Haas, and Doris Jacobs.

Ruth is survived by her son Joel Bradford LaVine and his wife Deborah LaVine of West Palm Beach Florida, her daughter Nancy Jane LaVine and her husband William Grover of West Paris Maine, her son Robert Josselyn LaVine and his partner Robin DuLac of Manchester, New Hampshire and her daughter Shannon Elizabeth (LaVine) Stone and her partner Brett Miller of Wells, Maine. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Manning of Bethel Vermont, and brother, Charles Chamberlain of Franklin New Hampshire.

Ruth is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is in God’s hands, and for that we rejoice.

Ruth LaVine’s funeral service is to be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn Maine on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 AM. Words and stories of love and laughter are encouraged, as well as colorful clothing. Reception following. Burial will be held at Ye Old Cemetery in Freetown, Massachusetts on a later date. Arrangements by The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner St., Auburn.