FARMINGTON – Ruby S. Thompson, 96, of North Jay, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008 at the Pierce House in Farmington surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Sept. 2, 1911, in Lewiston, the daughter of Harold and Cora (Bubier) Sleeper. She attended Lewiston and Auburn schools including Edward Little High School. On July 6, 1929, she married, Merle Thompson in Livermore Falls. They lived for a short time in Stones Corner before moving to North Jay in 1936. A home they shared for 72 years.
Early in her marriage, Ruby worked as a homemaker to her husband and family. In the early 1960s, she attended Pelletier’s Beauty school in Lewiston and opened a hair salon in her home, which she ran for many years.
Ruby was very involved in the North Jay community and her efforts were tireless. She baked for every supper, benefit and fundraiser. Her membership in the Bartlett Memorial Baptist Church saw her roles include Sunday school teacher, treasurer, member to the annual conference, and PPRC. She was a 70-plus-year member of the North Jay Grange and Extension. She was 4-H Leader, member of the Phippstown Club, North Jay Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary and Senior Citizens.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and making many hats, mittens and articles of clothing for her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, loved to paint, travel with her husband, can the gardens’ fruits and vegetables and most importantly spend time with her family. She will be remembered as a caring and selfless woman who tried instilling and teaching those same characteristics to her children.
She is survived by three children, Clifton “Skip” Thompson and his wife, Marie of Jay, Shirley Rand and her husband, Carl of Northport and Betty Murphy and her companion, Joe Pawloski of Farmington; 10 grandchildren, Deb Adams and her husband, Charlie of Jay, Stephen Thompson and his companion, Cheryl of Jay, Susan Anderson of Mexico, Catherine Small and her husband, Harold, Jr. of Augusta, Tom Rand of Poland Spring, Peter Rand of Greene, Aaron Rand of Lewiston, Paul Murphy of Farmington, Dale Murphy of MO and Vaughn Murphy and his wife, Carolyn of Warren; 14 great grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and very dear friend, Leona Brooks of Jay. She was predeceased by her husband, Merle on July 5, 2004; two sisters, Myrna Curtis and Jeannette Brown.
Funeral services will be held, 2PM, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton. Family and friends are invited to call at the center, 6-8PM, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton. Gifts may be given in Ruby’s memory to the Bartlett Memorial Methodist Church or to the North Jay Grange, both c/o Mavis Lane, Jay, ME 04239. Words of condolence may be sent to wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net
