FARMINGTON – Ruby S. Thompson, 96, of North Jay, died Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Pierce House in Farmington, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Sept. 2, 1911, in Lewiston, the daughter of Harold and Cora (Bubier) Sleeper. She attended Lewiston and Auburn schools including Edward Little High School.

On July 6, 1929, she married, Merle Thompson in Livermore Falls. They lived for a short time in Stones Corner, before moving to North Jay, in 1936, a home they shared for 72 years.

Early in her marriage, Ruby worked as a homemaker to her husband and family. In the early 1960s, she attended Pelletier’s Beauty School in Lewiston, and opened a hair salon in her home which she ran for many years.

Ruby was very involved in the North Jay community and her efforts were tireless. She baked for every supper, benefit and fundraiser. Her membership in the Bartlett Memorial United Methodist Church saw her roles include Sunday school teacher, treasurer, member to the annual conference, and PPRC. She was a 70-plus year member of the North Jay Grange and Extension. She was 4-H Leader, member of the Phippstown Club, North Jay Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary and senior citizens.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and making many hats, mittens and articles of clothing for her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, loved to paint, travel with her husband, can the gardens’ fruits and vegetables and most importantly spend time with her family. She will be remembered as a caring and selfless woman who tried instilling and teaching those same characteristics to her children.

She is survived by three children, Clifton “Skip” Thompson and his wife, Marie, of Jay, Shirley Rand and her husband, Carl, of Northport and Betty Murphy and her companion, Joe Pawloski, of Farmington; 10 grandchildren, Deb Adams and her husband, Charlie, of Jay, Stephen Thompson and his companion, Cheryl, of Jay, Susan Anderson of Mexico, Catherine Small and her husband, Harold Jr., of Augusta, Tom Rand of Poland Spring, Peter Rand of Greene, Aaron Rand of Lewiston, Paul Murphy of Farmington, Dale Murphy of Missouri and Vaughn Murphy and his wife, Carolyn, of Warren; 14 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and very dear friend, Leona Brooks, of Jay.

She was predeceased by her husband, Merle, on July 5, 2004; two sisters, Myrna Curtis and Jeannette Brown.