RUMFORD — Doris L. Putnum, 99, of South Rumford, died Thursday, April 21, at Rumford Hospital.

She was born in Rumford on July 6, 1911, and was the daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Skinner) Locke.

Doris graduated in 1929 from Stephens High School in Rumford. She graduated from the Farmington State Normal School in Farmington, Class of 1931, with her degree in education. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Boston University (BU) in 1944.

Doris began her teaching career at Middle Dam where she had only a single student. She then taught in Corinna, Maine, for a short time, and returned to Rumford in 1933 to teach 7th grade in the Virginia Elementary School. After graduating from BU, she taught in the Winchester, Mass., school system for a year. She returned to Rumford in 1945 to become the town’s first remedial reading teacher. She initiated Benet IQ testing into the town’s school system. She taught there until her retirement in 1972.

Doris enjoyed and was well known for her cribbage playing, traveling with her husband and later with her close friend, Evelyn Charron. She also enjoyed her time and walks with her dogs.

Doris was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church where she was active in the Mary & Martha Club and the Maine State Teachers Retirement Association. She was a former member of the Greater Rumford Senior Citizens Club, the Mollyockett Square Dance Club, the Rumford Center Grange, and the Rebecca Lodge, I.O.O.F. She was the district deputy marshall of the Rebecca Lodges.

She was married in Rumford on June 24, 1945 to Francis P. Putnam who died in Rumford on Feb. 7, 1988.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Putnam and wife, Christine, of Pasadena, Md.; daughters, Cynthia Sexton and husband, John, of Manchester, and Elizabeth Putnam of Rumford; grandchildren, Mary Ellen Guimond and husband, Jeremy, of Manchester, Julie Anna Sexton of Winthrop, and Francis and Mary Putnam of Pasadena, Md.; great-grandson, Aidan Guimond, of Manchester; a brother, Stuart Locke, of Schenectady, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; and a brother, George Locke.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.