AUBURN – Ruth C. Keene, 85, formerly of 11 Beech St., died Sunday, Sept. 12, at Clover Health Care.

She was born in Center City, Minn., April 3, 1919, the daughter of Arvid and Esthyr Danielson Carlson. She graduated from Chisago High School in 1936 and attended Minneapolis Business College.

She served in the United States Navy during World War II in the communications division.

She was married Sept. 18, 1944, to Roland E. Keene, who predeceased her July 13, 1988.

Prior to her retirement in 1981, she was employed as a clerical services supervisor for the State of Maine Department of Human Services.

She was a member of High Street Congregational Church, the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and served many years on the board of managers at the Auburn Home for Aged Women, now known as the Chapman House.

Though she had no children of her own, she was very charitable towards children and animals, and had a special fondness for her cats.

She is survived by a sister, Lucille Tully of Grass Valley, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Irma Trundy of Hebron; several nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Alex McCracken and Betty Irish.