Lewiston-Ruth P. Deveau, 94, formerly of Old Town and formerly of Montello Heights, Lewiston, died Friday, Feb. 10 surrounded by her family following a sudden illness.She was born Jan. 5, 1923 in Bangor, the daughter of Lillian May Hall and John R. Parlee Jr. She grew up in Brewer and graduated from Brewer High School. She lived in Old Town for nearly 45 years before moving to Lewiston in 2012 to be closer to her family. On Aug. 30, 1945 she married William E. Deveau after a whirlwind courtship. After 55 happy years together, Bill died Jan. 21, 2001.
She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young before going to work at the University of Maine in Orono in 1964. She retired from the university in 1985. She and Bill enjoyed their retirement years traveling to Hawaii, South Carolina and Jamaica and taking many weekend fishing trips to northern Maine in their camper. She was a 50-plus year member of the Daughters of Isabella and served as regent of the St. Cecilia Chapter at Holy Family Church in Old Town from 1990-93. She loved pink roses, the Red Sox, watching professional golf, buying and selling antiques and playing bingo. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She loved the holidays and spent many happy hours Christmas shopping with her best friend June Whittier. Age was "just a number" for Ruth who learned to drive at 45 and tap dance in her late 70s. She is survived by her children, William E. Deveau Jr. (Eileen) of Lakeland, FL; Joan C. Cloutier (Michael) of Auburn; and Sharon Handy (James) of Lewiston; six grandchildren, Meghan Deveau, William and Mary Cloutier and Alexis, Carter and Jordan Handy; one sister, Bernice Gallant of Holden and one brother, Robert Parlee of Brewer; sister-in-law Joyce Lane of SC; many nieces and nephews, especially Lori Rand of Dover-Foxcroft and Sheila Fraser of MN. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, John, William and Frank Parlee and a sister, Christine Lydick. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ruth's life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com
Visitation Fortin Auburn Wednesday Feb. 15 from 6-8 PM, and Friday Feb. 17 from 9-9:45 at Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main St. Old Town, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM at Holy Family Church in Old Town. Committal will be held in the spring. A service of The Fortin Group\Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Fortin Group.
4 Entries
February 16, 2017
Rick Fernald
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We were fortunate to have them in our lives for so long. My condolences to Bill Jr, Joan, Sharon, and their families.
Sincerely,
February 14, 2017
Linda Galway
I'll alway remember how she helped me procure some Depression Glass for my mother. She was so knowledgable and knew where to get good deals! She was the kind of person you would meet for the first time and immediately feel as though you'd just become re-acquainted with a long lost friend. Your family is truly blessed to have had her for so many years. Rejoice in the memories!
February 14, 2017
Ruth (& Bill) had (and have!!) a special place in our hearts - our condolences to Sharon and the rest of Ruth's family.
Sincerely,
BoB & Elizabeth Handy
February 14, 2017
Ruth enjoyed a good long life. So many cannot say the same. She was especially strong.
Ps. 90:10
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more