BROWNFIELD — Ruth W. Eastman, 88, of Brownfield, died on Jan. 24, 2011, at the Bridgton Health Care in Bridgton, after a long illness.

Born in Whitman, Mass., the daughter of Edward and Marjorie (Ellis) Reed, she moved to North Conway, N.H. in 1971 and to Brownfield in 1979. Ruth spent her early years with her family in Whitman, Plymouth and Marion, Mass. She had many stories of growing up with a large extended family, having fun on the beach, in the ocean and enjoying artistic pursuits.

In the winter, Ruth and her friends took the ski train from Boston to North Conway. She met her husband, Rodney on one of these trips, then married him and raised four children in North Conway.

She was a nursery school teacher, kindergarten teacher, school treasurer, arts and crafts teacher and Girl Scout leader. In Brownfield, she was a member of the This and That Club. She loved to travel and be outside. Many days were spent with her family on the Saco and on the beach at Pine Point. She was a painter, a knitter, the maker of fine costumes and mostly she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

The family includes two daughters, Rebecca Eastman of York, Pa., and Jane S. Eastman of Brownfield; a son, Joel E. Eastman of Sanford; four grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothea Harris of Marion, Mass., JoAn Reed of East Bridgewater, Mass. and Marjorie Ann Duquette of Raymond, Mass.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rodney L. Eastman Jr. in 2010; a daughter, Phebe R. Butters in 1992; and a sister, Barbara Goulet.

Visiting hours were held on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at the Furber and White Funeral Home in North Conway, N.H. Graveside services will be held in the Kearsarge Cemetery in the spring.

Donations may be sent to: The Brownfield Recreation Department, 82 Main St., Brownfield, ME 04010.