Ruth McDonald Roberts, 76, of Waterville, passed away Aug. 12 in Rochester, Minn., following a courageous battle with brain and lung cancer. Ruth and her beloved husband of 54 years, Colonel David L. Roberts, USAF-retired, had together been staying in Rochester while Ruth received extended treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
The daughter of Helen D. and William R. McDonald, Ruth was born Nov. 16, 1932, in Portland. She graduated from Deering High School in 1951 and from Colby College in 1955, where she majored in mathematics and graduated with honors.
Immediately following their Portland wedding on Aug. 13, 1955, Ruth and David began their active duty Air Force career, embarking on a life of travel throughout Europe and the Americas. Together they settled into 13 homes over 22 years of military service. During that time, Ruth held many volunteer positions and taught high school mathematics in Hudson, Mass. She was primarily devoted, however, to David and their two daughters, Susan and Linda, who were born at Fort Lee, Va., in the 60s. In 1977 Ruth and David returned to Waterville with their girls, spending summers at their Damariscotta Lake cottage in Jefferson. They were pleased to rejoin the Colby and local communities.
A consummate entertainer, Ruth was renowned for her delicious meals and warm hospitality. Over her first summer back to Maine, Ruth proudly recalled having served 634 meals to visiting friends. Indeed, most who know her will likely have enjoyed at least one slice of her hallmark pies. Ruth remained a committed volunteer serving as President of the Waterville Women’s Interim Club, Treasurer of the First Congregational Church, UCC, and volunteer at the Greater Waterville Food Bank. She was a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Ruth was also a talented and avid bridge player. Notably, on the day before she rushed off to Minnesota, Ruth was pleased to have won her match by both bidding and making a grand slam. In addition to bridge, Ruth’s hobbies included oil painting, knitting, reading, and working crossword and sudoku puzzles. Ruth stayed connected to her many friends over the years – especially those from Maine, Colby, and the Armed Services.
Ruth, a woman of quiet confidence, was a devoted wife to David and a loving mother to her daughters, with whom she spoke daily.
Preceded in death by her parents, Ruth is survived by her husband David, of Waterville; daughters, Susan Dangel and husband Evan of Dover, Mass., and Linda Pagnano and husband Mark of Chatfield, Minn.; grandchildren, Emma Dangel, Callie Dangel, Brian Pagnano, Eric Pagnano, and Adam Pagnano; brother-in-law, John Roberts and wife Dee of Kennebunkport; nephews, Mark Roberts and wife Laurie, and Michael Roberts; and one niece, Ginny Whiting and husband Mark.
Memorial service 3 p.m., Sat., Sept. 12 in Waterville at The First Congregational Church, UCC, with the Rev. Dr. David Anderman officiating. A reception will follow immediately thereafter.
Memorials are suggested to any charity supporting a cure for cancer.