Ruth Ellingwood

Ruth Porell Ellingwood, 92, passes away on October 29th at Newton Center after a brief illness and surgery. She was born on June 23, 1918, the second child of Marion Idella Blanchard and Edward Porell. She was educated in Sanford Schools and graduated from Sanford High School in 1936 in the top five of her class. In 1938 she married George Ellingwood and they were happily married for 65 years, until his death in 2003. They had one son, Barry. She spent her working years as a burler-mender at Goodall Sanford Woolen Mills and later at Brooks Woolen. She retired after 45 years and pursued her hobbies as an avid gardener, traveling and enjoying their cottage at Mousam Lake. She loved spending time with family and friends. Ruth was a long time member of the Sanford First Baptist Church and was active in many capacities. She ran the Cradle Roll for 12 years and as a member of a newly formed couples group; she chose the name "Naarai Class" which means "youthful". She enjoyed the Women's Groups and doing crafts for the church fairs. She and her husband hosted both Men's and Women's groups at their cottage for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the unique 1918 Club, which met monthly at various locations for a meal and program and had members from many areas of the country. Ruth's wonderful personality made her loved by family and friends alike and she will be deeply missed. Surviving are a son, Barry, of Sanford; her sister, Marilyn DeHaven and her husband Harland of Springvale; two nephews, Tim DeHaven and his wife Lisa and their family, of Springvale, Richard Hanson Jr. and his family, of York; a niece Debra Gooch and her family of Hermon, ME and a cousin, Eileen Stritch and her family of Springvale. At Ruth's request there will be no services. Interment will be in Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of Carll-Heald & Black funeral home in Springvale. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a donation to the Sanford First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 250, Sanford, Maine 04073.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.