NORWAY – After a life of service to others, Ruth Hilda Morgan Leino passed into the arms of the Lord on Jan., 22, 2022 after a long illness. During her final days, she was visited in body and spirit by her large family and friends.

She was born in Greenwood, Maine on May 14, 1929, a member of the Greatest Generation. She is one of the few surviving members of the West Paris High School class of 1947. She received her B.S. degree from the University of Southern Maine and continued to work at the University and in outreach programs until her retirement. She was an officer in the American Legion Auxiliary during and following World War II. She was an active member of the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church, volunteering in community activities – all while working and raising five children. An avid knitter and seamstress, she created hundreds of sweaters, Christmas stockings, quilts, dresses, and suits for her loved ones. Her memory will live through the work of her hands.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bruno Leino to whom she was married for 61 years, as well as her older brother Wallace and many sisters and brothers in law. She is survived by her two younger brothers, Owen and Gordon and their spouses Pauline and Carolyn, her five children and their spouses: Karina and John Thompson, Alvin Leino and Diane Heibert, Kevin and Roxanne Leino, Anna-Jean and Wayne Alexander, and Sharon and Steve Merrill as well as 13 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild with a second great great granddaughter due in March.

We are grateful to sibling sister Sharon Merrill and her husband Steve who lovingly cared for our mother at home for the last few years. They embody the heart of compassion and service modeled by a beloved mother. We thank the compassionate staff at Beacon Hospice for their care during this difficult time.

Services will be held at Oxford Hills Funeral Services (Chandler), 1037 Main Street, Oxford, Maine on Saturday, February 5, at 1 p.m. Guests are required to wear a mask and to sit in family units. For those unable to attend the services in person, it will be live streamed and guests are invited to a Committal service to be held on May 21, 1 p.m. at the Lutheran Cemetery, route 117, Harrison, Maine. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be sent to BMUMC “Papa’s Boots” P.O. Box 859, Harrison, Maine 04040.

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