Ruth E. Libby

Portland Ruth E. Libby, 93, a lifelong resident of Virginia St. in Portland, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 20, 2016, at St. Josephs Residence. Born in Winthrop, Maine to Hilaire and Josephine Bruneau, she attended school there through her senior year of high school. It was during her junior year that she met her future husband, Richard Libby. They were married before he was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. In 1953, they moved to Portland with their children, Dennis and Brenda. Ruth had many wonderful friends in the neighborhood and was known for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Ruth and Richard purchased the Portland Dairy Queen in 1969 and worked there with their children for over 20 years. After the terrible loss of her son and husband in 1994, she continued to run the business with the help of her daughter and grandchildren. In 1996, she turned the business into what became Libs Dairy Treats. She left behind a great legacy and is still fondly remembered by many customers. She worked until she was 80! The last 2 years of her life were spent at St. Josephs Residence where she became much loved by the staff for her generous nature and sense of humor. She received wonderful care and the family is truly thankful for all who helped make her stay there as home-like as possible. While still living at home, she greatly enjoyed family visits, especially visits from her great grandchildren, Richard and Margaret Pawloski from California. At St. Josephs she loved having her great grandchildren Arabella, Elias and Matthias visit her. No matter what her day was like, she always had smiles and kisses for them. Ruth Libby was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her daughter Brenda Pawloski and son-in-law Robert. She has 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at a later date so that all the family will be here to celebrate her life. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland.