Obituary of Ruth Elizabeth Thayer

Bangor--Ruth Elizabeth (Kendall) Thayer passed away quietly on Sun., June 25. She had a full and rich 98 years of life and now joins her husband Leo, who died in February. Born and raised in Bangor, Ruth graduated from Bangor High in 1937 and later from Beal College. Ruth met Leo during WWII in Bangor and they were married in 1944. She worked for a time as a bookkeeper at Darling Auto Sales in Bangor. Her main occupation though, was as CEO of the Thayer family where she was responsible for raising of three boys, four if you count Leo. She maintained the house, organized family trips and weekend outings that would often include extended family members. She loved picnics on the rocks at Acadia National Park surrounded by friends, family and nature. Apart from family Ruth was active in a number of local organizations and was constantly busy baking or making crafts for special events. She enjoyed golf, walking, reading and loved playing bridge, which she continued well into her 90's. Ruth loved shopping, but in true Yankee tradition she didn't like spending money. Finding a great deal was a challenge that she relished and "yard sale-ing" was her Saturday's entertainment. Until the end she had a positive attitude, always looking forward, never dwelling on past events or missed opportunities. Ruth is survived by two sons, Robert and wife Linda, and David and wife Kim; daughter-in-law Valerie; sister Hope and husband Jack Eisentrager; grandchildren John, Amy, David, Karla, and Joshua; great-grandchildren Jackson, Jagger, and Lauren. She was predeceased by husband Leo; son John; brother Parker Kendall. Family and friends are invited to visit 12-1 pm Wed., June 28, 2017, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A service will be held at 1 pm with the Rev. Chad Poland, pastor of All Souls Congo. Church officiating. Placement in the mausoleum at Mt Hope Cemetery, Bangor will follow the service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Alzheimer's Association-Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401. Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com