1919 – 2016

AUBURN — Ruth J. Leavitt, 97, of Turner died Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the loving care of family and friends.

Ruth was born April 1, 1919, in Lewiston, the only daughter of the late Iza (Marshall) Goss and Walter L. Goss, both of Auburn. Ruth graduated from Edward Little High School in 1937 and Bates College in 1941. Following college she was employed at Bates Mill Manufacturing.

Ruth married Merton C. Leavitt on April 11, 1947. Ruth and Merton made their home in Turner, where they raised three sons and a daughter and farmed the Homestead property on Poplar Hill.

Later, she was approached by the principal to teach French at Leavitt Institute in Turner. After completing her master’s degree, she served as librarian at Leavitt High School for 16 years, retiring in 1984.

In retirement, Ruth and Mert enjoyed buying and selling antique tools and making many new friends along the way. Throughout her life, Ruth had memberships in the Turner Natural History Club, Turner Public Library and the Stanton Bird Club. These organizations nurtured her interest in gardening, birding, and her favorite hobby of reading. She was also a member of the Turner Historical Society and the Androscoggin County Historical Society.

She was a wonderful cook and baker, providing many wonderful meals filled with much laughter and conversation. Ruth was happiest when her table was full of family and friends.

Ruth participated in every aspect of her children’s lives. She provided them many opportunities to learn and enjoy what New England life had to offer. They explored the natural world by camping around Maine and New England. She made sure they traveled to Canada for Expo ’67. She valued learning and has set an admirable example for her children and grandchildren to follow.

Ruth received the Boston Post Cane honor on her 97th birthday, recognizing her as Turner’s oldest resident.

Ruth is survived by her three sons, Peter M. Leavitt, his wife, Eva, Mark H. and his wife, Susan, John G. and his wife, Paula, and her daughter, Mary Leavitt and her husband, David Rogers, all of Turner; her five grandchildren, Seth and his wife, Carrie, of Turner, Jacob and his wife, Amelia, of Lewiston, Samuel of Shanghai, China, Cassea of Turner and Caiden of Nashville, Tenn.; four great-grandchildren, Joslyn, Kloe, Elijah and Delany; along with a stepgrandson, William Bean of Turner; and other loving extended family members.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years.

She was grateful to her family, neighbors, Anita and Gerry Lachapelle and special friend and caregiver, Linda Coffin, who made it possible for her to live at home independently. She also gained much joy and companionship from her cat, Poppy.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.