READFIELD -- Ruth Townsend, a lifelong resident of Readfield, died Aug. 2, 2011 at her home on Main Street. Ruth was born at the Townsend farm on May 28, 1913 to Myrtle Adell and Ernest Linwood Townsend. The third of five siblings, Ruth grew up at the Townsend farm and at the family's winter home on North Road at Readfield Depot. After graduating from Kents Hill School, Ruth turned her capable hands to many jobs. During World War II she made fishing nets and was an aircraft spotter. She worked at the Bonafide Mills in Winthrop, drove a Sunday paper route, and was a substitute rural mail carrier. Later, Ruth worked with Eric Elvin as a carpenter and in his farming enterprises. She helped build her home on South Road and her much-beloved cottage at Tallwood Point, where she was for many years a caretaker for the owner, Benjamin Bloomfield. A born farmer, Ruth, in her early years, would often travel to the family homestead in Aroostook County to help with the potato harvest. She always raised berries and a big flower and vegetable garden from which she supplied produce for her family and neighbors. Well into her eighties she was still delivering baskets from her garden to her 'elderly' friends. She was also a great cook and did beautiful knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Ruth was a history buff, especially of that of her hometown. A founding member of the Readfield Historical Society, she was instrumental in the society's acquisition of the Depot Schoolhouse, where she attended grammar school. Ruth also worked tirelessly for the Union Meeting House and was a member of the committee to retrofit Giles Hall. Additionally, she served on other town committees, including the Planning Board and Conservation Committee. Ruth was the organizer of an informal group called The Walkers. She enjoyed taking folks to little known places of local interest and history, such as the Cattle Pound and the carved Indian on the shore of Maranacook Lake. In her 80s Ruth became a member of the Readfield Grange to honor her mother, who was a 60-plus year member. Many will remember Ruth for her colorful stories and her fervent support of the Democratic Party. If anything was broken or did not function she would note, 'It's gone Republican!' Ruth loved children and was a wonderful aunt. She enjoyed playing baseball and other games with her many nieces and nephews and exploring with them the wonders of nature. She could show you where the wildflowers were hidden and entice the birds and chipmunks at Tallwood to eat from her hand. Ruth's family will ever be grateful to her loving caregivers who enabled her to spend her last years at home. Special thanks go to Michelle, Colleen, Brenda and Nancy 'One,' who have been there from the beginning, and also to Nancy 'Two,' Silvia, Alisha, little Kaylee for making her last years especially bright, and Jean from hospice. Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Eben Lee and her sisters, Alice Couture, Marion Townsend and Mary Hock. She is survived by her niece, Holly Hock Dumaine and her husband, Christopher, of Mount Vernon; her nephews Linwood Townsend of Brunswick and Richard Townsend and his wife, Kay, of Greene; great-niece Holly-hock Randall and her husband, Jeff, of Lisbon Falls; great-nephews Christopher I. Dumaine and Eben Dumaine and his wife, Cindy, both of Readfield; as well as several other great nieces and great-great nephews and nieces. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to do so may make a gift in her memory to the Union Meeting House, 158 Thorpe Shore Road, Readfield, 04355; the Readfield Historical Society, PO Box 354, Readfield, 04355; or an organization of one's choice Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where condolences to the family may be sent to www.khrfuneralhomes.com