Phyllis Ambrose

TURNER — Phyllis Smith Ambrose, 92, of Turner, died at her home Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016.

She was born May 22, 1924, in Monmouth, the daughter of Stanley and Mildred Wight Smith.

Phyllis was educated in the Monmouth schools and was valedictorian of the Class of 1942 at Monmouth Academy. She then furthered her education at the University of Maine in Orono, graduating in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics.

On June 21, 1947, in Winthrop, she married George Franklin Ambrose, of Orono. He was the love of her life. They celebrated 58 years of marriage in 2005.

Mrs. Ambrose taught home economics and the elementary grades in Rockland, Livermore Falls and Turner. Her teaching career spanned a period of 43 years.

Phyllis and her husband lived for some years in Livermore Falls, moving to Turner in 1950, where they operated a dairy-beef farm on Mud Street, now known as Harlow Hill Road. She loved her farm, the outdoors and nature, especially wild life and birds. Phyllis enjoyed her flower gardens and she spent many hours on her quilting projects.

Mrs. Ambrose was a member of the Maine Teachers Association, the National Teachers Association, the Maine State Retirees, and the Androscoggin Retired Teachers Association.

She is survived by a niece of Lewiston; a great-nephew and a great-niece; and her extended family including Dennis Knudsen of Naples.

She was predeceased by her husband, George, who died in 2005; her sister, Doris Smith, in December 1980; and a nephew.

At the request of Phyllis, there will be no funeral service or visiting hours. A service of remembrance of Phyllis' life will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home, 707 Main Street, Monmouth. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at: www.finleyfuneralhome.com

If desired, contributions may be made to: DFD Medical Center, 180 Church Hill Road, Leeds, ME 04263 or Monmouth Academy Scholarship Fund, 96 Academy Street, Monmouth, ME 04259.