Ruth Ayer Belknap Bickford, 90, of Damariscotta, died surrounded by her family on the evening of Feb. 6 after a valiant struggle with pneumonia. Ruth was born in Boston, Mass. on June 12, 1918, the daughter of Dr. Robert W. and Martha C. Belknap. The family returned to Damariscotta when Ruth was one year old. Ruth and her brothers and sister were home-schooled by their mother until Ruth was in 4th grade at which time she attended Castner School after in-door plumbing was installed. As a teenager, she proudly accompanied and assisted her father, Dr. Belknap, on numerous house calls, especially during home births. Ruth graduated with honors from Lincoln Academy in 1936. She later attended Katherine Gibbs School in Boston, Mass. graduating in 1938. In 1940 she married John Bickford, the love of her life. They were frequently separated during the war years as John was deployed as a Lieutenant, J.G. on submarines in the South Pacific. However, they were together in Mystic, Conn. and San Diego, Cal. and became the parents of first and second daughters, Jane and Susan in 1943 and 1944. After the war years Ruth and John returned to Damariscotta where their third daughter, Mary was born in 1950. John and Ruth spent the next 15 years together raising their daughters and operating Fewacres Greenhouse.
Sadly, in the fall of 1961, Ruth became a young widow after John died suddenly of a heart attack. Ruth continued on valiantly and with tremendous strength raising her “girls” and operating the family business. She ultimately sold the business and moved to “The Point,” her childhood home in Damariscotta.
At the age of 60 Ruth began her next career as a receptionist at the dental office of Drs. Olson and Davis. She happily spent over a decade managing the office and reassuring anxious patients.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; and brothers, Robert, Samuel and James Belknap.
Ruth retired at age 75 to enjoy her children and their husbands; her seven grandchildren, Andrew, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Ethan, Alexander, Sean and Keith; her eight great-grandchildren, Brett and Colin Kalina of Honolulu, Hawaii, Sam and Maya Bailey of Newcastle, Ella, Sadie and Margot Wyman of Arlington, Va., and Sterling Bailey, Harrisburg, Penn.
Ruth also leaves her sister, Martha Reed; and brother, David Belknap, both of Damariscotta.
Visiting hours 4-7 p.m., Tues., Feb. 10 at Strong Funeral Home, Rt. 1, Damariscotta. Funeral service 11 a.m., Wed., Feb. 11 also at Strong Funeral Home.
She will be laid to rest with her husband at Hillside Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert W. Belknap, MD Free Bed Fund , P.O. Box 67, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
