Ruth L. Presby, 86, of Westport Island, passed away at her residence with her family at her side on Oct. 22 after a courageous five-month battle with cancer.
She was born in Bristol on Sept. 8, 1926, a daughter of Floyd W. and Catherine E. (Hiscock) Goodell. She graduated from Morse High School and then Mercy School of Nursing in the mid-1940s. She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Portland and Bath Memorial Hospital as well as working as a private duty nurse at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor and Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.
She retired after 25 years of service as a health care nurse with Kno-Wal-Lin Health.
She was a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Wiscasset. She enjoyed sailing, dancing, singing, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She loved music and playing the organ.
She was predeceased by her longtime companion, John M. Lewis in 2008; Alvin Presby Sr. in 1995; brother, Raymond Goodell; and sisters, Martha Stevens, Barbara Phinney and Sally Coffin.
She is survived by son, Alvin “Butch” Presby Jr. and wife Nancy of Bath; daughter, Laurayne Presby of Westport Island; stepson, Gary Lewis and wife Mary of Gardiner; stepdaughters, Deanna Lewis and husband Jerry of South Carolina, Corinne Lewis Hodsdon of Jefferson, and Janet Morgan of Wiscasset; brothers, Harold Goodell of Wyoming, Philip Goodell of Cornville, Floyd Goodell of Skowhegan, and Wayne Goodell of Woolwich; sister, Florine Small of Belfast; grandchildren, Michael Presby, Peter Presby, Rhonda Halpin, Ryan Morgan, B.J. Appleton, Brent Appleton, Sue Capps, and Shawn Lewis; many great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Celebration of her life 11 a.m., Sat., Oct. 27 at Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086 or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be made online at www.daiglefuneralhome.com.
