NORTH YARMOUTH – Ruth Elizabeth “Ruthie” Swanson, cherished wife, mom, grammie and friend, lost a courageous battle with breast cancer on Sept. 26. She passed away peacefully with her husband by her side.

She was born in Skowhegan to Raymond and Elizabeth Keene Clemons. Educated in the Auburn school system, she graduated from Edward Little in 1958. After marrying Albert L. Swanson of Wilcox, Pa., in 1968, she enjoyed deeply a career as a wife and mother of six children.

Throughout her life, one of Ruth’s many passions was knitting. Over the years, she made dozens of sweaters, hats and mittens for her family and friends. She left behind creations that will be enjoyed by many for generations to come. Another significant treasure in Ruth’s life were her grandchildren. There were many precious moments spent, leaving a lifetime of memories.

She was an avid gardener. She truly enjoyed the harvesting, freezing and canning of bushels of vegetables and fruit each year. Most of all, she was a quintessential mother. Her loving and caring nature toward all who were closest to her remained strong and true until her last breath.

She was predeceased by mother, father, a sister, Katy, and a son, Richard.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Albert L. Swanson, of North Yarmouth; four sons, David, and his wife, Kathy Swanson and five grandchildren of Helena, Mont., Albert Swanson, also of Helena, Mont., Daniel, and his wife, Andrea Swanson, and three grandchildren of Lisbon, Andrew Swanson, of North Yarmouth and a daughter, Karen, and her husband, Jeff Gillespie, and two grandchildren of Fort Benton, Mont. She is also survived by her stepmother, Eleanor Clemons, of Yarmouth, sisters, Judy Gay, of Machias and Joyce Marsden, of Covington, Wash., a brother, Raymond Clemons Jr. of Hermon, as well as many nieces and nephews.