LEWISTON – Ruth Arlene Antone Trafford, 70, of New Gloucester, passed away on March 29, at Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, following a long and valiant battle with cancer.
She was born on Sept. 16, 1934, in South Portland, the youngest daughter of John Everett and Emily Matthews Antone. She graduated from New Gloucester High School in 1954.
In October of 1954, she married Maitland Dwaine Trafford at the Congregational Church in New Gloucester. They were the proud parents of Bruce Dwaine and Karen Marie.
She was one of the hardest working women that one would hope to meet. She learned her knack of getting along with people from several jobs, beginning with A & P Supermarket in Gray. In 1971, she began a successful career as co-owner of B and R Dairy Bar, along with her sister, Beryl. In 1977, she became sole owner of the business and continued to run the dairy bar until 2001, when her health forced her to retire. In 1991, she started B and R Trucking. In the fall after the dairy bar closed for the season, she went to work for L.L. Bean. She continued this for several seasons.
She had many hobbies, but especially loved flower gardens. During the Christmas season she made wreaths. She learned to make afghans from her mother-in-law, Edith, and she always knitted hats and mittens for the children.
She was blessed to have as her loving companion and best friend, Richard St. Germain, who has been by her side for the last 19 years. She let many of us know that she never could have made it through this trying time without his love and support. During the last several years, they spent the winter months in Florida at the Whisper Creek RV Resort, with so many of the wonderful friends that they have met through the years.
There was nothing more important in her life than her children and grandchildren. Kourtney and Adam were her pride and joy.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her son, Bruce and his wife, Jamie Trafford of New Gloucester, their children, Kourtney and Adam; her daughter, Karen Trafford of New Gloucester and her friend Tom Thompson; sisters, Beryl Clarke of Yarmouth, and Hilda and husband, Robert Hahn, of Livermore Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; and three sisters, Bernice Olson, Gladys Gerry and Mildred Emery.
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