AUBURN — Ruth Lewia Perry, 88, of Winthrop, died Dec. 8, at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice House, where she had been a patient for one week.

Ruth was born in Hallowell, March 16, 1922, the daughter of Gertrude (Gilchrest) and Raymond Lewia. She was educated in Winthrop schools and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1939.

On Aug. 2, 1941, she married the love of her life, Buster Perry. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage until his death in 2006. A big part of her died that same day and she has longed to be with him since.

She was employed by H.P. Cummings Construction Co. as a secretary and then worked at Winthrop Fuel Co. for many years, retiring in 1998.

She was a past member of the Winthrop Fire Department Auxiliary, several community clubs, and worked every election in Winthrop for more than 40 years.

She will be remembered as a great cook who loved to cook and give it all away. She also enjoyed watching her grandsons grow up and participate in sports and coach, especially football.

She was blessed with five very special great-granddaughters, who brought her much love and joy to her life. They were truly her five little angels and the light of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Kempton and her husband, Carlo, of Winthrop; three grandsons, Chris Kempton and his wife, Kim, of Winthrop, Chad Kempton and his wife, Linda, of Randolph and Craig Kempton and his wife, Nicole, of Winthrop; five granddaughters, Maria and Nadia Kempton of Randolph, Paycen, Logan and Emily of Winthrop; a sister-in-law, Pat Woolston, of Manchester; a sister, Dorothy Belanger, of Winthrop; several nieces, nephews and cousins; she also leaves her best friend, her cat “Boots,” who was a true gift from heaven; and Cher Harvey, a special caregiver whom she came to love and look forward to seeing often for only having known her for a short time.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Alfred Buster Perry; and her brother and sister, Robert Lewia and Estelle Swift.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.