1908 – 2004

AUBURN – Ruth A. Small, 95, of Seville Park Plaza, Auburn, died at her home on Sunday, March 21.

Born in New Gloucester on May 31, 1908, she was the daughter of Joseph and Ida Bennett Small. Educated locally, she graduated from New Gloucester High School, Class of ’26, and in 1931, graduated from the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing.

In 1942, she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and spent 13 months in the European Theater. She also served as head nurse, night ward supervisor, and worked on a hospital train, leaving the Army in 1946, as a 1st Lieutenant.

After the war she worked locally as a private duty nurse and at C.M.G. Hospital, and in 1966, she became the Student Health Nurse for the hospital’s nursing school, a post she held until her retirement in 1985.

She was a member of the Military Order of the World Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Coast Guard Officers Association, the American Legion Post 22, American Nurses Association, Maine State Nurses Association, National League of Nursing, C.M.G Hospital Nurse Alumni, Maine College Health Association, and was a former Chairman of the Private Duty Section, MSNA.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews; and many dear friends who will remember her best for her outspoken wit and dedication to her profession.

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