LIVERMORE FALLS — Ronnie Lee Churchill, 66, a resident of Livermore Falls passed away, Friday, June 29, at his home, with his family by his side, following a long illness.

He was born in Farmington on Nov. 29, 1951, to the late Mahlon and Angelina (DeSoto) Churchill. Ronnie was educated in Jay and Livermore Falls public schools. He graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1971 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. On Jan. 17, 1972, he married the love of his life, Gail Elliott, in Virginia, before embarking on a tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany, where he served until 1974. Together they had two children, Wendy and Brian.

Ronnie left the Army early in 1974 on an honorable discharge to care for his sisters and brothers following the death of his mother. Ronnie was a member of the Amvets Post 37 in Jay. He worked locally in the manufacturing industries for which Maine is known, Bass Shoe Co., Livermore Falls Shoe Co. and Gates Formed-Fibre in Auburn, until his retirement in 2013. Over the years, he also worked a number of side jobs, including cleaning office buildings and caretaking an apartment complex for elderly and disabled residents. Ronnie was a hard worker, sometimes having three jobs at once, always making sure his family had what they needed.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing on the lakes and ponds around Androscoggin and Franklin counties. He could identify every species of bird that came to his outdoor feeders, no matter what time of year. He always had a big garden and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren eat green beans and tomatoes straight from the vine. They were the joy of his life. He will be sadly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gail Churchill, of Livermore Falls; a daughter, Wendy Fontaine, and her husband James Visconti, of Los Angeles; a son, Brian Churchill, and his wife, Laci, of North Jay; three granddaughters: Angela Fontaine and Briana and Bailey Churchill; one grandson, Brycen Churchill; three brothers: Gary Churchill and his wife, Diana, of South Paris; Bob Churchill of Jay; and Jimmy Churchill of Farmington; two sisters: Brenda Turcotte and her husband, Tim, of Livermore, and Ann Steffens of Hallstead, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Donna Churchill; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his older brother, Dana Churchill.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Central Maine Medical Center and the nurses at Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be shared at www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Ronnie L. Churchill