Ruth L. Hatch

Ruth L. Ritter Hatch, born Oct. 11, 1924 in Dodge City, Kansas, crossed into heaven Aug. 24, 2010. Predeceased by parents Ralph and Pearl Ritter ofSpearville, Kansas, a sister Blanche Smith of Bridgton (a nephew Ronald Faucher of Bridgton), a brother William of Wichita, Kansas, a brother Ralph of Arlington, Va., a brother Kenneth of Windsor Locks, Conn.

She was blessed with four children: Robert Hatch of Bridgton and wife Anita (predeceased) and three grandchildren: Kelly and Rob Beaudoin of Monmouth with children Lauren and Nathan; Eric Hatch and Brian of Bennington, Vt., and Mark and Shannon Hatch of Bridgton with children Devyn and Corbyn; Judy Connors (predeceased of Key Largo, Fla.) and children Lorraine Reiter (predeceased of Bayonne, N.J.); Donald and Shirley King of Mechanic Falls and children Connor and Carly Lee; Bruce and Alyson King of Venice, Fla. with children Tiffany, Julia and Alexia; Susan Hatch and Mark Mercier of Bridgton; Linda Hatch of Bridgton with children Effie Mae and Jamie Torin of Apex, N.C. She also leaves a devoted niece Joy Wolf of Bridgton and her children Debbie Martin of Bridgton, M. Lorrie Boucher of Bowdoin, Maine, Kathy Devoe of Naples, Cindy Fontana of Naples and their families.

Ruth's work career began early, being a "Rosy Riveter" on The Liberty Ships in Portland during WW II, a seamstress at Bridgton Dress Co., a stitcher for Bridgton's Sebago Moc Co., a professional wedding gown maker, waitress and cleaned several office buildings for many years.

She was a lifetime member of Pondicherry Chapter #192 of Eastern Star, a passionate gardener and a never-ending animal lover (Boxers being her favorite dog breed).

A "Kansas girl," coming east at seven years old and thankful each day to have ended up in Maine. A feisty and gracious lady will be missed beyond words!

In lieu of flowers, if it's your pleasure, send donations to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in her memory, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010 at the Bridgton Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 3, 2010 at the Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home from 6 – 8 p.m.