LEWISTON – Ellen May Searles (Wing), 85, of New Gloucester, passed away at Central Maine Medical Center on Jan 13.

She was born in Lewiston, Sept. 26, 1923, daughter of Alton L. and Margaret L. Wing (Whooley). She married Walter Searles Sr. on Jan. 15, 1947, and they are celebrating their 62 years of marriage together. She made her home in New Gloucester until her death.

She worked at Cole Farms Restaurant and Pineland Center for many years. She was also a 30-plus year member of the Gray American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening and house plants, reading detective stories, novels and Love Story magazine. She also enjoyed watching “Walker, Texas Ranger” and loved animals.

Her greatest joy in life was being with her family and friends. Everyone that met her loved her dearly.

Surviving are her son, Walter Searles Jr., granddaughter, Kristin Searles and great-granddaughter, Melody Brown, all of New Gloucester; her sisters, Margaret Searles, June Dimock and Florence Field; brothers, Al, Ray and George Wing; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Jeannie Ellen Searles Wiers in 1992; her husband, Walter Alton Searles Sr. in 2002; her daughter, Florence Searles in 2006; and her brothers, Roy, Richard, Forest and Edward Wing.