J. Ruth Jackson Waterhouse
1924 – 2009
AUBURN — J. Ruth Jackson Waterhouse, longtime resident and active community member of New Gloucester, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, at The Hospice House.
She was born Nov. 19, 1924, in Freeport, the 11th of 12 children to Charles and Elizabeth Jackson. She married Forrest Henry Waterhouse, life-long New Gloucester resident, on March 18, 1944 at a very special ceremony in her sister’s home.
She drove school bus for the New Gloucester, Gray, Freeport and Pownal schools for more than 51 years. Her compassionate interaction with the students was memorable and the bus rodeos enjoyable. The family wishes to thank WCSH for recognizing her retirement.
She has been a member of the New Gloucester Planning Board since 1986. She was especially proud of her perfect attendance award. Her other civic duties included being on the school board and being a ballot clerk for many years. She was in Eastern Star and progressed through the chairs.
One could always find her working on her and Forrest’s Twilight Farm, whether in the hay fields, gardens, lawns, with the animals; including her many pet raccoons or building and painting those white board fences she was so very proud of.
She was known for her scrumptious meals during the holidays; there was always enough food for a family at least twice the size of hers as well any hunters who might be dropping in. Her pies, jams, and applesauce were gifts any family friend could look forward to. She made the most amazing pies!
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Forrest; her two sisters, Irene Allen and Amy Crone; her daughters, Jerilyn Waterhouse and Tamilyn Wayboer and husband, Robert; her granddaughters, Kristina and Jennifer Wayboer; and her 150 or so four-legged children on the farm.
The family expresses immense gratitude to the staff at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and The Hospice House.