Ruth Olive Rowell Taverner, 91, of Hallowell, formerly of Augusta, died on Dec. 28, 2012 at her residence. Olive was born in Cranston, R.I. on July 8, 1921. She was the daughter of Theodore Earl Rowell and Bessie (Lowe) Rowell.
The family moved to Maine exactly 10 years later. Her father’s family had lived in Maine for many generations, so she had a special love for this state.
A graduate of Thomaston High School, she went to the University of Maine, where she graduated with the Class of 1943. Upon graduation, she married her college classmate, Donald V. Taverner. Her husband’s career took the family from South Portland to New York City; Orono; Pittsburgh, Penn.; Washington, D.C. and back to Augusta, Don’s boyhood home. Here the Taverners enjoyed their retirement years.
In 1961, Olive received a Master of Arts Degree in Public Address and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Society.
She taught grades one through 12 at various times during her career. She spent the last five years before her retirement at Cony High School.
In 1993, the Taverners went on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate 50 years of marriage, their 50th reunion from the University of Maine and Don’s visit to his 50th state.
For 35 years, Don and Olive enjoyed their cottage on Damariscotta Lake.
Olive was active in the United Methodist Church in many capacities and was honored to be a Certified Lay Speaker. She was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity for Women, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for teachers and the Cecelia Club (music). She also enjoyed dramatics, swimming, music, photography and genealogy.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Donald V. Taverner; infant daughter, Margaret Elizabeth; and brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Gilbert Y. Taverner.
Survivors include sons, Dr. Theodore G. Taverner, wife Marina of Arlington, Va. and her children Marel of Arlington and Elmar of the Philippines, and Frederic W. Taverner, wife Peggy of Silver Spring, Md.; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Taverner of Concord, Mass.; and niece, Dr. Nancy Adelman of Kensington, Md.
Friends may visit 7-9 p.m., Fri., Jan. 11 at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Celebration of Olive’s life 2 p.m., Sat., Jan. 12 at Green Street United Methodist Church, Augusta with Rev. Dr. Thomas Blackstone officiating.
Donations in Olive’s memory may be made to Green Street United Methodist Building Fund, 13 Green St., Augusta 04330, or the Donald V. Taverner Senior Alumni Scholarship for Non-traditional Students, One Alumni Place, Orono 04469.
Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.
