Peabody, Ruth B., 101, August 19, 2013. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON – Ruth B. Peabody passed away August 19, 2013, at a local healthcare facility. She was born October 9, 1911, at Abbot Village in Hartland, ME, the daughter of Charles O. and Bertha (Small) Brown.
Ruth started school at an early age. She entered grade school as a four-year-old, attended Hartland Academy, and at the age of sixteen, was a 1928 honor graduate of Lawrence High School. She furthered her education at Colby College, was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, and graduated in 1932. After college, she left to go to Massachusetts to become a nanny, but was called to come back to Lawrence High School to teach. While teaching at Lawrence High School, Ruth met her future husband, Woodrow Peabody, who was the Colby College football coach. They married in 1937 and moved to Houlton. Ruth and Woody lived, worked and raised their three sons in Houlton. When the boys were grown, Ruth returned to teaching in the mid 1960’s, retiring in 1973. Her early years were as a classroom teacher, but the later years she served as an assistant librarian at Houlton High School.
Ruth loved to cook and always had a pot of something simmering on her stove, ready to feed whoever walked into her kitchen. She was a competitive spirit and loved a good game of cards with friends. Her favorite place was East Grand Lake where she and her husband, Woody built a cottage. She inspired the whole family with the same feeling, as all three boys and the grandchildren continue to love the lake. At age 101, she was able to attend the 4th of July celebration at camp.
Ruth is survived by her three sons, James Peabody and his wife, Mary of Houlton, David Peabody of Houlton and Ronald Peabody and his wife, Jodi of Hodgdon; five grandchildren, Lauren Fitzpatrick, and her husband, Chris, Barrett Peabody and his wife, Erica, Janel Nelson, and her husband, Steve, Micah Peabody, and his wife, Jane, Jessica Jacobson, and her husband, Matt. She had nine beautiful great-grandchildren that she treasured, Kelsey and James Fitzpatrick, Jacob Peabody, Elias and Ian Nelson, Aimee and Barrett (Little Bear) Peabody and Ella Jacobson. She was predeceased by her husband, Woodrow Peabody, her brother, Robert Brown and great-granddaughter, Mattie Jacobson. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ted Sussman and the Houlton Regional Hospital Staff, Dr. Karl Woods, and Helen Sherwood for their special attention “above and beyond”. It was greatly appreciated. A big thanks also to Gail Duff, Megan Murphy, Brenda McLaughlin for their support and dedication to Ruth.
At her request there will be no service. Those who wish to do so can make gifts in Ruth’s memory to the Mattie Jacobson Scholarship Fund, Cary Library, or the charity of their choice, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton ME 04730. Online guest book and condolences at: dunnfuneral .com.
