Ruth M. (Platten) Charig, 91, of Bremen, died at Maine Medical Center on Aug. 28 after a sudden decline in health. She was married more than 60 years to the late John K. Charig and maintained her own home.
Born in England, she was the daughter of Alfred and Lillian (Kidd) Platten. Ruth was educated in public schools and met her husband while both were commuting to London, where she survived the prolonged bombing in WWII. Like many postwar couples, they moved abroad, taking their three small children to Montreal in 1950. In 1960, they moved to a 90-acre farm in Westport, Mass., where they ran a farm and campground. Ruth worked as a secretary to the publisher of The New Bedford Standard-Times newspaper until retirement.
In the 1980s, they moved to Bremen. An avid reader all her life, Ruth became a volunteer at the Bremen Library. She was a celebrated cook and was accomplished in needlepoint, crafts she practiced until the end of her life. Ruth was active with the Bremen Patriotic Club, where she was current recording secretary.
Ruth and John were active travelers, having crossed the nation several times on excursions with their beloved dogs. They documented their trips on hundreds of slides and collected lapel pins from every state they visited.
Ruth was matriarch of her extended family and hosted them at a lavish 90th birthday party in 2008.
She is survived by her children, Andrew J. Charig of Middlefield, Mass., Pamela Ruth Hardin-Dexter and husband Lewis Dexter of Franconia, N.H., and Margaret A. Charig Bliss and husband Gil Bliss of Greenfield, N.H.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours and a remembrance service 3:30 – 5:30, Sat., Sept. 18 at Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
Donations may be made to the Bremen Library, PO Box 163, Bremen, ME 04551.
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
