RUTH E. CLEAVES
RIPLEY, Ruth E. Cleaves, 75, died January 1, 2003 at a Dexter health care facility. She was born September 8, 1927, in Monson, daughter of Linwood and Bertha (Luby) Patton. She attended Dexter Schools and was a life long resident of the area. She worked for Plummer Memorial Hospital and later for Dexter Shoe Company in Dexter. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Dexter and loved to play Bingo. She was predeceased by her first husband, Vaughn Ricker and her second husband, Gabriel Cleaves; a daughter, Susan Ricker; a brother, Bob Patton and a half brother, Clif Mountain.

She is survived by a son and his wife, Brian and Donna Ricker of Sebec and two daughters and their husbands, Carma and Dennis Stevens of Exeter and Judy and Jerry Hathaway of Florida; a sister, Charlene Hill of Dexter; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a very special friend and companion, George Willard of Ripley.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Evergreen Cemetery in Milo. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home in Dexter.