LINCOLNVILLE — Ruth Winters passed on peacefully at home with her daughter by her side. Ruth was born May 10, 1913, in Astoria, N.Y., the daughter of Charles and Maria Stanbridge.

Ruth was an amazing woman and a woman with many dreams. After graduating from high school she went to work as a sales girl at Bloomingdale's in Manhattan. Before too long she worked herself up to buyer of housewares. She thrived working at her job and being in the excitement of the city. She made many dear friends at Bloomingdale's, and also met her future husband, August S. Winters, there.

August and Ruth were very involved with winter sports, especially bobsledding. They had their own bobsled, which now hangs in their daughter's barn. They traveled to the Poconos, Catskills and Adirondack Mountains to compete racing their sled. An enthusiastic ice skater, Ruth also enjoyed camping out with their gear and she was a graceful, strong swimmer.

After 10 years, Ruth and August decided to start a family. They had their only child, a daughter, and moved to upstate New York where they had gardens with chickens, pigeons, dogs and cats. During this time Ruth had many jobs; she loved being out working and interacting with people. When working as a bank teller, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so Ruth left her job and became his nurse and caregiver.

In 1974, when August died, Ruth followed her daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons to Maine. She had her home built next door to her family in Lincolnville. After she had settled in she went to work at The Woolen Workshop in Camden. The sales were always up on the days she worked; she was an amazing people person.

In later years Ruth helped out at an antique shop in Lincolnville owned by her daughter and son-in-law. Again, because of her personality and smiling face, no one left the shop without buying something. She was a force to be reckoned with.

Ruth had a full life and it always included animals. She loved all animals and was an advocate for animal rights. She would never even kill an insect; she would catch it in a tissue and throw it out of the house to live on. She also looked forward to going out to dinner, especially to Darby's in Belfast. She thought all the waitresses were great and they all made a fuss over her. The family extends their gratitude to Lil, Jody, Sam and the rest of the staff that made Ruth one of the gang.

Ruth had a wonderful life and she was bright and vibrant until she passed on. She loved her home and was able to remain there thanks to the very special care she received from Waldo County Home Health and Hospice. These very caring and compassionate individuals loved and cared for Ruth like she was their mother. Thank you Kathy, Denise and Angie. You are the best.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, August; her brother, Charles Stanbridge; her sister, Ethel Schafer; and her dear grandson, Chip Lepow. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Arlene Lepow and her husband, Marty; her grandson, Chris Lepow and his wife, Jill; and two great-granddaughters, Amelia and Savannah Lepow.

Private burial was held in the Youngtown Cemetery in Lincolnville. A Celebration of Life will be announced and will be held on her 100th birthday on May 10, 2013.

Those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way may make gifts to P.A.W.S. Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Winters family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home in Camden.