Ruth Gagnon

Ruth Gagnon, 82, of Springvale, died February 24 at the Goodall Hospital in Sanford after a brief illness.She was born in Springvale on June 18, 1928, the daughter of Elmer and Eva (Winslow) Allen, attended local schools and was a graduate of Sanford High School.She was employed briefly with the former Goodall-Sanford Textile Mills. For 31 years, she worked as office manager at the former Westcott Ford in Springvale. Shortly after the dealership was sold, she went to work for the Sanford Springvale YMCA from which she retired several years ago. She also worked part time for Richard Lamb, CPA.Ruth was a longtime member of the Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church where she formerly taught Sunday School."Ruthie" as her friends called her, was a talented woman who was always on the go. She was a member of the Southern Maine Garden Club, helping to beautify several public places and intersections in town with attractive flower gardens. An avid quilter, she especially enjoyed the company of a great bunch of friends at quilting sessions on Tuesday nights at the Springvale Public Library. Ruth also loved to travel. She cruised the Caribbean and took the whole family to Disney World. There were also annual family trips with a historical theme during April vacation for many years.Survivors include a daughter, Karen Bissell, her husband Richard and their son Corey, all of Springvale and several nieces and nephews.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 4-6 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, where a funeral service will be conducted on Monday at 2:00 PM. Burial will be in the spring in Riverside Cemetery in Springvale.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.