HOLLIS- Ruth McKay went peacefully home to be with her lord and savior on Sunday, June 11th at her home in Hollis.
She was born May 2, 1940, in Bucksport, the daughter of Gertrude (Sedgley) and Charles McAllian. Ruth was a 1958 graduate of Bucksport High where she cheered for her school’s sports teams. And, in 1962, became the first in her family to finish college, graduating from the University of Maine in Orono with a degree in education.
Ruth was a devoted member of the Hollis Center Church for 54 years, working in music, children’s and women’s ministries, fellowship, and the food pantry. She loved her church family and they loved her.
Her dogs were her comfort and fun. She raised collies and shelties, showing in breed and obedience competitions all over New England, and was a long-time member of the Collie Club of Maine.
Ruth’s grandchildren gave her joy and were the inspiration for great adventures. In her later years, to the astonishment of her children, she transformed herself from a complete novice into an ice hockey expert and fanatic, attending all her grandson Kyle's games and rarely missing the Bruins on TV. She took an active role in the Bonny Eagle ice hockey community.
Ruth was known for her warm, gregarious nature. On outings, she could strike up a friendly conversation with almost anyone she encountered, often to the amazement of more taciturn members of her family. Even cash register lines at the grocery store were opportunities for her to make new friends.
Ruth is survived by Jim, her husband of 61 years; three sons, Charles with wife Mariko of Izunokuni, Japan, Brendan with wife Terry of Baltimore, Maryland, and Chris with wife Nicole of New Sharon, Maine; eight grandchildren, Kayla, Jessica, Nikki, Kota, Kyle, Jonathan, Jackson, and Morgan; sister, Mary Wheeldon with husband Jim of Orrington Maine; and brother Chuck McAllian of Orland, Maine, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins all over the world of whom she was the firstborn of over 50. She is predeceased by her beloved sheltie, Skye.
A celebration of life will be held for Ruth at the Hollis Center Church, 388 Hollis Road, Hollis on Saturday, June 17th at 11 AM.
Kindly direct donations to the Hollis Food Pantry, PO BOX 180, Hollis, Maine 04042
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com