Ruth Mae Geele Kennedy, 91, of Waldoboro, died at home on Dec. 26 by her beloved Christmas tree.
She was born on Dutch Neck on Oct. 11, 1918, the daughter of Herbert and S. Annie (Storey) Geele. She was a member of the first graduating class of the new Waldoboro High School in 1936. She graduated from Gorham Normal School in 1939 and began her teaching career in a one-room school house where she was responsible for lugging water, shoveling, and keeping the woodstove burning, in addition to teaching children in all eight grades.
She retired from the Waldoboro school system in 1978. She always enjoyed seeing and talking with former students. She married Forrest L. Kennedy on June 23, 1946.
Because of the kindness and generosity of her many friends, she was able to remain in her home and was very proud of that. She loved to decorate her house for every holiday. She loved to play the slots, play beano, and play “63” at the cottage. She looked forward to the annual overnight Christmas shopping trip to North Conway with her friends and was able to make one last trip this fall.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband in 1993; and two older sisters, Dorothy Geele and Florence McCann.
She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Labrack and husband Jim of Mechanic Falls; two grandsons she adored, Casey Labrack of Washington, D.C. and Jeffrey Labrack of Mechanic Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be held in the spring at the Dutchneck Cemetery in Waldoboro with a date to be announced.
Friends and family who wish may donate in Ruth’s memory to the Waldoborough Historical Society, P.O. Box 110, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or Waldoboro Public Library, P.O. Box 768, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
