Silsbee, Ruth C., 84, May 14, 2013. Interment to be held in the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU and SARASOTA, FL – Ruth C. Silsbee, 84, died May 14, 2013 at Sarasota Florida following a period of declining health. She was born in Avoca, New York, April 7, 1929, the daughter of the late Elden and Bernice (Adams) Cook. She was a graduate of Avoca High School and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Geneseo State College.
Mrs. Silsbee was a retired elementary school teacher, having taught in the New York, Rhode Island, and the Caribou School systems for many years. She was an active 50-year member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school. Ruth was also active in 4-H, was a Cub Scout leader and was a member of the Maine Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her lovely flower gardens. Mrs. Silsbee was also a longtime volunteer at Cary Medical Center in Caribou as well as Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota.
Surviving in addition to her husband of over 62 years, L. Ward Silsbee of Sarasota and Caribou, are her two sons, Gary Silsbee and his wife, Audrey, and David Silsbee and companion, Sue Parker, all of Caribou; her daughter, Susanne LaForge and husband, Daniel, of Augusta; one brother, Carlton Cook and his wife, Elmina, of Bath, New York; her grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Shawn, and Heather Silsbee, Garret and Bret LaForge; and a great-grandson, Evan Silsbee; a special niece, Elaine LaForge of New York; as well as many special friends at Oakwood Manor and Saint James Church in Flordia.
Private family services will be held at a late date. Interment will be in the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Silsbee may do so though the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Sharing the Grace Fund, P.O. Box 69, Caribou, Maine or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, PO Box 414238, Boston, Massachusetts. www.mockler funeralhome.com.
