LEWISTON — Ruth Stinchfield Cox, 94, of New Sharon passed away peacefully at a Lewiston hospital surrounded by family on Dec. 23, after a brief illness.

She was born Nov. 11, 1917, to Wesley Burton and Lena Marion (Abbott) Stinchfield in Phillips, where she received her early education at the Cushman District School, where she had shared many happy memories. The family later moved to Strong, where she and her sister, Faye, attended high school, graduating together in 1936.

On Dec. 3, 1936, she married Ross Edmund Richards in Strong. Within a few months, they moved to Elm Crest Farm with his parents where they raised four sons. As a farmer’s wife, Ruth excelled in the art of cooking, especially her custard pies and divinity fudge, an endearing gift that she shared with many.

She worked at the school cafeteria, local diners and as a telephone operator. Ruth was also a delegate to the State Democratic Convention and ran for County Clerk. Ross was taken in a tragic accident in Avon on Jan. 14, 1957. She later married Cecil B. Cox on May 20, 1960, in Littleton, N.H. Together they ran a large poultry business at Happy Acres Farm in New Sharon for many years and had one son. Cecil died on March 17, 1984.

Ruth enjoyed hunting and especially fishing. Gardening was a favorite pastime along with picking berries. It was always a delight for her to go camping with her friends in the summer as well as traveling to visit family members out West. Painting, quilting and playing bridge with various groups kept her active.

Outside of her family, she was devoted and an active member of the New Sharon Methodist Church with her faithful attendance and singing in the choir. Music was a great part of her life and she was thrilled when folks gathered for a sing-a-long at reunions and church gatherings. She has been an inspiration to her family and others throughout her lifetime as she shared motherly advice.

Ruth is survived by daughter-in-law, Carla H. Richards of Strong; four sons, Sheridan Richard of New Sharon, John E. Cox and companion, Elaine Stevens, of New Sharon, Mark W. Richards of Strong and Jordan A. and wife, Celine Richards, of Skowhegan; stepchildren, Sandra Starbird and husband, Ted Dyke, of Wilton, Burton and wife, Gail Cox, of Scarborough and Nancy and husband, Malcolm Norris, of Leeds; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; siblings, Barbara A. Stinchfield and husband, Harold Estes, of Livermore Falls and Carl W. and wife, Jessie Stinchfield, of Strong; many cousins, nephews and nieces; and friends, Brenda and Stan Tilton.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Faye S. Starbird; two husbands; son, Boyd R. Richards; daughter-in-law, Deanne Richards; grandchildren, Ross and Susannah Richards; and stepdaughter, Irene Cox.