WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. — Ruth S. Carsley, 88, of West Yellowstone, Mont., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, at her home.

She was born May 15, 1923, in Lynn, Mass., to Robert L. and Ann E. (Fenner) Strode. She grew up in Marblehead, Mass., earned her bachelor’s degree of fine arts from Middlebury College in Vermont and a master’s in reading education from the University of Maine.

Ruth married Hayward B. Carsley Jr. on July 12, 1947. They moved to Mechanic Falls in 1954, where they raised their family, made many close friends and were active community members. Ruth was a life-long educator, specializing in high school reading education. She taught in Troy, N.Y., Mechanic Falls and Lewiston, and retired in 1990.

During retirement, Ruth and “Pete” traveled the country extensively in their truck camper. She eventually visited all 50 states and most Canadian provinces.

Ruth and Hayward moved to West Yellowstone, Mont., in 2000 to be near their son, Scott and his family. Ruth adapted well to life in West Yellowstone, where she had many fine, caring friends. She was an active member the West Yellowstone Community Protestant Church, United Woman and the West Yellowstone Senior Center. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Descendants of the Mayflower. She loved to read, mostly with her contented cat in her lap.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Janice Carsley of West Yellowstone; granddaughter, Jessica (Matt) Waddingham of Seattle, Wash.; grandson, Cameron Carsley of Big Sky, Mont.; numerous nieces and nephews; and her cat, Emma.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Hayward; her daughter, Marion; her son, Robert; her sister, Barbara; and her brother, Robert.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.

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