FARMINGTON – Ruth C. Greaton, 93, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2021 at Orchard Park Nursing Home in Farmington.

Born Sept. 4, 1927 in Lewiston, she was the daughter of Ernest Campbell and Lotta Campbell. Ruth lost her mother at a young age; as the oldest she took care of her younger siblings making sure they were loved and cared for.

Ruth fell in love and married Norman Bolduc. On their first date she paid her own way so that he would know she was her own woman. Ruth and Norman had one child, a son, Ronald A. Bolduc. Ruth and Norman had a long loving marriage until his untimely death.

Ruth was always a hard worker. Early in their marriage, she and Norman worked in the woods with his family. She often told stories how she and Le-mère ran the cross-cut saw, cutting logs to be hauled out of the woods by the men. Ruth later worked in a shoe shop in Lewiston. For her interview, she wore heels, as she always did at that age. The boss hired her, saying that she had to wear different shoes, because he did not want her to get hurt while walking around the factory. Ruth worked in the shoe industry until her retirement. She had been promoted to floor lady, where she supervised a dozen employees, calling them “the girls” regardless of their ages.

Given Ruth’s capacity to love it is no surprise she went on to love again. When she was a young girl, she had a crush on Bud Greaton and, as fate would have it, they met again. Knowing Bud was single, Ruth made an appointment at Buds Body Shop for a repair to her car. This led to a date, then to marriage. Bud brought six children to this marriage, ages 7 to 17. True to form, Ruth loved her six stepchildren as she loved her own son, Ronald, with all her heart. Ruth often said, “I got the best part of the marriage, I got you kids. Ruth’s greatest gift was her unbounded capacity to love and accept people. She accepted friends of her children and grandchildren into her life as though she had known them for decades. She was always willing to accept a hug from friends and family, often telling people that she would love a hug because she “collects them.”

Her house was a gathering place for her family, with her hosting many holiday meals and some of the best thrown together Saturday meals after yard work. Ruth will be remembered for making the best Chop Suey and biscuits. Ruth’s favorite holiday was Christmas Eve because all of her children and grandchildren came home to share food and laughter. She loved to be surrounded by family, sometimes just enjoying the conversations going on around her. She often said that she felt like a queen, watching over her people. To be one of Ruth’s “people” was an honor, a mixture of old school loyalty and love.

Ruth kept her mind sharp with reading, card games, Yahtzee, and a ferocious game of Scrabble. She also loved Country and Western music. She was often found reading a book while listening to music. When asked she said that she wanted to enjoy her two favorite things at the same time, the music simply becoming something that was playing in the book. Ruth also loved to garden. Her flower beds were a marvel of color and variety. Her house was always filled with plants.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Tammy Greaton and husband Alan Ring of Vassalboro, Tim Greaton and wife Joan of Saco, TJ Greaton and wife Becki McGhee of Wilton, Ted Greaton and partner Angie Spaulding of Lee, and Tiffany May and fiancé Lenny Weiss of Mechanic Falls; her brother, Nick Coats and wife Linda of Albion; grandson, Ronald Bolduc II and wife Lisa of Poland; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by husband, Bud Greaton Jr., first husband, Norman Bolduc; son, Ronald Bolduc; stepdaughter, Tina Bailey; parents, Ernest and Lotta Campbell; brothers, Bill Campbell, John Campbell, and Albert Campbell, and sister, Lucy Terrio.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer and Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the

Good Shepard Food Bank of Maine,

http://www.gsfb.org.



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