Ruth Frances Randall

Ruth Frances Randall, 87, born in 1923, the former Ruth Swett, died peacefully at Greenwood Center, on August 6, 2010. She was born in North Berwick, the daughter of Hinkley and Stella Swett. She attended North Berwick schools and graduated from Sanford High School. In 1943 she married her childhood sweetheart, Emerson E. Randall. Ruth lived her adult life in Sanford and many children benefited from her instruction when she was employed by Head Start and the Sanford Schools. Upon her retirement she continued to volunteer in local schools and also tutored students in her home. She was a long time member of the North Parish Congregational Church where her teaching and singing abilities were greatly appreciated. While at North Parish, Ruth also served as the head of Christian Education and was active in the Women's Fellowship. She participated in Audubon activities, locally, as well as nationally. In addition, she was a member of the Bluebird Society, and also a member of the Jocelyn Botanical Society. Her interest in birds and nature, lead her and Emerson on many Elderhostel adventures.Other activities included teaching for the York County Extension Service, volunteering at local blood drives and teaching crafts for adult education. She was also a member of the Sanford Searchlight Club.Ruth was able to find time for outside activities while raising seven children. She made most of her children's clothing as well as taught others to sew.Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Emerson, grand-daughter, Laurie Guptill, and two brothers, Charles Swett and Robert Swett. She is remembered most fondly and survived by family, Nancy and Richard Harnett, John Randall, June and Roger Guptill, Robert and Katrina Randall, Debra and Tom Otis, Stella and Dan Pelletier, Paul Randall, eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held at the North Parish Congregational Church, 2:00 P.M., on August 26, 2010. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Abiding Memorial Fund, North Parish Congregational Church, 893 Main St., Sanford, Maine 04073.