PHILLIPS – Ruth Newell Mitchell, 88, passed away on Oct. 19, 2016, at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.
She was born on Feb. 21, 1928, in Weld, the daughter of Chester, Sr. and Isabelle (Merchant) Newell. She attended North Anson Academy, graduating in the class of 1948. During her teenage years, she worked at Devereaux Camps and after high school, she worked at Diamond National in Oakland. On June 1, 1950, she married Benjamin F. Mitchell Jr. in North Anson.
Over the years, she provided child care for numerous children. Ruth enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and listening to country music. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Benjamin Mitchell Jr. of Phillips; her children: Brenda Mitchell of Phillips, Brian Mitchell and companion Mitzi Dupee of Elizabethville, Penn., Caroline Mitchell of Raynham, Mass., Colleen Sylvester and husband William of Phillips, Craig Mitchell and wife Sandra of Phillips; her sisters: Lelia Dunphy of Highland Plantation, Flora Timberlake and husband John of Raeford, N.C.; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents and three siblings.
Donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, c/o Maine Medical Center, Development Office, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Oct.24, 2016, at 10 a.m., at the home of Nadine Longley, 147 Fish Hatchery Road, Salem. Graveside services at the Evergreen Cemetery in Phillips will be announced in the spring of 2017.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
condols to the family…..RIP RUTH….
Bennie and family, We are so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was such a kind and caring lady. I’m certain many families, such as ours, are so grateful to have had Ruth take care of their young children, knowing they were safe and happy being watched by her. Please know that we share your sadness.We are thankful to have had her in our lives and will think of her often.
Ma was such a special person in my life. I think many people in our town probably called her Ma. Everything a Mom should be loving caring and kind. Condolences to Craig and the entire family. RIP Ma Love you
Ben ,Reg +I r sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing, she always bot stuff from me when Isold F.brush or tickets she always had a smile, sending hugs and prayers.to the Mitchelll family..😘 RIP Ruth love from the Spencer’s.
I am so sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. She was a very sweet lady. My thoughts are with the Mitchell family.
You will be missed in so many ways by so many people. You are a great lady and a wicked cool Aunt. I did not see you often but when I did you made me laugh at how you loved to joke with others. Your quick whit was something special. I will always cherish those memories
Ben and family
We are so sorry to hear about Ruth’s passing.she was a very sweet lady…our thoughts and prayers are with you all
I can’t say much more than Rhonda (my daughter) did.Ruth was a sister that kepted the family together (thru thick & thin) Her whit was what kepted her going & to have people, friends, &family drop in. She & I always said they can take away anything but your memories & we have alot of them. She & ben had alot of friends,anyone that needed help there was always room for one more
Will always remember the little pies you made Dan and the big ones you made me. So many memories of being a kid at your house. Loved the way you and Dan would home with each other..we will always love you
I love the way you and Dan would tease each other
Condolences to the entire Mitchell family.. Ruth was a very special person to me.. along with her husband Ben.. We tease back and forth for many years… and will be missed by many.. heaven has gained another angel for sure.. Rest peacefully until we meet again…
I’m so sorry to hear of Ruth’s death. She was a very special lady. I will always cherish the chicken cookie jar she gave me a few years ago, and think of her whenever I look at it.
My closest cousins I grew up with were Ruth’s oldest grandchildren, and I spent many summer days at Ben and Ruth’s house having more fun than I can recall. To this day I cannot say I have had better comfort food than when I ate at Ruth’s table, and her house always smelled amazing (more than once she pretended to shoo us kids away from her kitchen for sneaking biscuits and cookies)!
She was one of the few people I visited with before leaving town to join the Army, I wanted to say goodbye (way back then) to her and Ben, special and influential people in my life.
When I got married she made an awesome heavy-duty quilt for Jen and I as a wedding gift, we still use it (16 years later) and think of Ruth every time we pull it out.
I am sorry for the family’s loss, but I am so grateful that I got to know Ruth, and that she had such a positive impact on so many people.
Our love to Ben and all of the family.
cordolences to the entire Micthell family Ruth was a very special lady.