Ruth A. (Thurlow) Ladd

She was born in Portland, ME to Harvey Linwood Thurlow and Martha (Plummer) Thurlow on December 23, 1925. Ruth graduated from Deering High School as a member of the National Honor Society in 1943. Upon graduation, she worked for Portland Community Chest – a.k.a. United Way.

In 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, William E. Ladd. With great fervor and joy, she devoted her life to supporting her husband, children and grandchildren. She never missed a music or sporting event in which they participated. Ruth was loved by all who knew her – her sweet, gentle soul and beautiful smile remained throughout her life – not even to be tempered by her disease. She was admired for her exceptional kindness, humor, integrity, fairness and sportsmanship. She enjoyed playing tennis, skating, bowling and the beach. She loved playing board games, Bridge, crosswords and jumbles. She prided herself on her perfect penmanship, spelling and grammar – and is most likely checking this obituary for errors! Whether it was paddling her first kayak at age 68, or accepting a ride with her granddaughter on a jet ski at age 75, Ruth was a pure delight to know.

Music embodied her life – a beautiful pianist, she also played the harmonica, ukulele and sang perfect harmony on many long car rides. And what a cook! She was known for her apple pies, cream puffs and everything else!

For 14 years, she served as an administrative assistant in the Legal Department at Union Mutual and acted as a Deaconess at State Street Church in Portland.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Bill in 1976, her mother and father and her siblings- Harry and Arnold Thurlow, Gladys DeSimon and Rena Lamson.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Deborah L. Argereow and her husband Paul of North Yarmouth, sons William M. Ladd of Hollis, NH, Michael G. Ladd and his wife Mary of Knoxville, TN, Peter L. Ladd and his wife Eve of New Gloucester, her beloved grandchildren, David, Susan, Andrew, Fletcher, Aimee, Jennifer, Christopher and Lindsey, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her sister, Arline Densmore of California, sister-in-law Gwen Ladd of South Portland, daughter-in-law, Rosemary Duggan of Jaffrey, NH and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank the incredible, loving caregivers and staff on “Eagle Lake” at Brentwood Rehab and Nursing Center in Yarmouth for the last 7 ½ years; and Beacon Hospice for their 1 ½ years of kindness and support to Ruth and her family.

A graveside service and celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave. Portland. For those attending please meet at the cemetery office by 1:45 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Ave. Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Ruth’s guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association-Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.