1921 – 2016

PORTLAND — Ruth L. Naples, 94, of River Road in Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Buckfield on Sept. 7, 1921, a daughter of Ormsby and Agnes (Winslow) Warren. Ruth was educated in Buckfield and Canton schools and graduated from Canton High School in 1939.

She was employed by the Diamond Match Company for eight years. Ruth met the love of her life, Enrico Naples, while he was delivering meat at a general store in Canton. Enrico was drafted shortly after and went into the service; it would be four years later before they reconnected. Since then, they celebrated 58 years of marriage together and raised eight children.

In March 1953, Enrico bought Ruth the house of her dreams, which became the Naples family home, and a successful family business known as Naples Packing Co., Inc.. Ruth worked side-by-side with Enrico for many years as the bookkeeper, all while raising their eight children.

In addition, Ruth touched the lives of many over her years and will be remembered for her selfless giving. She was a passionate scrapbooker of world events and an avid letter writer, having hundreds of pen pals throughout her lifetime, including political figures and spouses that are part of her scrapbook collection. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and crocheting and sharing these activities with well-known people like, Margaret Chase Smith and Marjorie Standish.

She enjoyed, along with her friends, horse racing, country western music and attended many country music shows, as well as followed well-known country western musicians. Ruth loved Tom Brady, the New England Patriots and her daily trips to McDonalds where she and Enrico socialized with many friends. Ruth enjoyed hosting birthday parties and other special events. She had a fond friendship with the Sisters of St. Chretienne who taught at St. Theresa’s School. Together, she and Enrico enjoyed helping the sisters out in any way they could.

She is survived by her children, Eddy D. Naples and wife, Marie, of Mexico, Ginger L. Patterson and husband, Allan, of Mexico, Penny J. Laplante and husband, David, of Waterville, Mitzie J. Naples of Bethel, Candy M. Kersey and husband, Mike, of Weld, Cindy L. N. Ross and husband, Bruce, of Dixfield, Enrico D. Naples Jr. and fianceé, Joan Wood, of Mexico, and Catherine Napolitano Ross and fiance, Peter Puiia, of Peru. Her surviving grandchildren include, Emily and Neil Naples, Craig Surrette, Jennie Hebert, Jaime Arsenault, Matthew Laplante, Chris Laplante, Eli Mann, Kathleen Kersey, Michael Kersey Jr., Enrico Ross, Spencer Ross, Hunter Ross, Jessica Naples, Mark Ross Jr., Tim and Adriarna Ross; and 16 great-grandchildren; and one on the way.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Enrico D. Naples Sr.

A special thanks to the Rumford Hospital and in particular the Emergency Room staff, Med Care attendants, and Maine Medical Center ICU Staff.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.