1922 – 2016

LEWISTON — Ruth A. Hiltz left her home in Lewiston on Sunday, Feb. 28, to go live “with my Jesus” at the age of 94.

One of 12 children born to Asa and Lottie Ranger Hiscock of Livermore, she attended schools in both Livermore and Leavitt Institute in Turner. At the age of 18, Ruth accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord, and she continued in a deep personal experience with Him throughout her life. She loved knowing that He promised to never leave her or forsake her and that she would never walk alone.

Everywhere she lived she taught Sunday School from primary to seniors, sang in the choir, was a deaconess and filled many church roles. She was an elder in Morris Cerullo World Evangelism. Ruth was a Cub Scout den mother and a great encourager to all. She also served as chairperson of the Lewiston- Auburn Chapter of the Christian Women’s Club for two years, which was a blessing to her and others. This role prepared her to speak to several church groups and to conduct several funerals for friends.

All who knew Ruth loved talking and sharing their life with her. The joy of the Lord permeated her being which allowed them to enter into prayer with her as they took their challenges to the Lord. In fact, all who knew her regarded her as a “prayer warrior.”

Ruth will always be remembered for her excellent sense of humor and sharing of jokes. She loved to laugh and wanted others to take time to smile too.

Ruth married Frank Hiltz Jr. in 1942 at Beaufort, S.C., after boot camp at Paris Island was over for “her Marine” who served in the South Pacific during World War II, she returned to the Lewiston-Auburn area where he later joined her.

They had three children, Frank III “Skip,” Judy and Tim. Being a spinner at the Cowen Mill was a job she loved and she grieved when the mill closed down. Ruth also worked for Raytheon and later joined her husband in the family business of Tri State Steel.

Being a blessing to others was her best trait, but she was the biggest blessing as MOM. Ruth’s favorite Bible verse and the first one she learned was Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”

She is survived by Judy Hiltz of Lewiston, Timothy Hiltz and wife, Patricia Lage, of Falmouth, Carolyn Gavitt of Gorham; a “daughter of choice,” and her only remaining sister and closest friend, Betty DeCoster of Lewiston; grandchildren are Penny Gagnon, Frank Hiltz IV, James Wilson, Timothy Hiltz Jr., Melissa Ferland, and Wanda Berry; she has 10 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; as well as half-sisters, Ana and Mary.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Frank, after 63 years of marriage; her son, Skip; her parents; four brothers and six sisters.

Her last message comes from a plaque called “ToThose I Love”: “When I am gone, just release me, let me go — so I can move into my afterglow. You mustn’t tie me down with your tears; let’s be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a ‘Welcome Home.’”

Mom, you are greatly loved and will be greatly missed. As you walk on with Jesus in heaven, know that your presence there makes heaven even sweeter.

The family wishes to express their thanks to Androscoggin Home Health & Hospice for the kind and caring services given to our mother. The staff is outstanding in every way. Special thanks are given to her primary team of Kathleen Langelier, RN and Lise Vincent, aide, for their ability to connect with mom so intimately and constantly. They were able to reassure, talk, laugh and love her to the point of her looking forward to their visits.