ROCKLAND - Ruth Schooley, 88, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 7, 2017. Ruth, affectionately known as "Mom-Mom" by her family and close friends, was born in Camden, N.J., on Sept. 9, 1928. She grew up in Collingswood, N.J., and graduated from Collingswood High School class of 1946.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom, raising her two sons in Pennsauken, N.J. Upon the death of her husband, Charles, Ruth moved to Cherry Hill, N.J. In 2012, she moved to Maine to be closer to family.

Some of Ruth's favorite past times included playing bridge, traveling, spending summers at her home in Ocean City, N.J., and spending time with family and friends.

For those who knew Ruth well, she was a remarkable person. He life was characterized by compassion, nurturing and unconditional love. Mom-Mom was always available to provide support and guidance to her family and friends, putting their needs above her own. This will live on in all of the people she has touched.

Her last words were "Tell everyone that I love them very much."

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Charles; and her sister, Marion Villalobos. Left to cherish her memories are her sister, Joanne Kerridge of Pennsylvania; her sons, Steven Schooley and his wife, Robin, of Florida, and Larry and his wife, Ellen, of Thomaston; along with her brother-in-law, Albert Villalobos. She considered Ellen and Robin to be the two daughters she never had.

Ruth is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kate Stinson and her husband, Toby, of Thomaston, Michael Schooley of Thomaston, Sara Manos and her husband, D.J., of Rockland, Meghan Schooley of Medford, Mas., Rebecca Schooley and her finance, Mitchell, of Waldoboro, Jamie Jones and Geoff of Baltimore, and Andrew Schooley and his fiance, Rebecca, of Cinncinatti. There are also eight great-grandchildren, Andrew, Morgan, Lucas, Greta, Caleb, Reagan, Sadie and Meyer.

Mom-Mom loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom-Mom was able to have one last Christmas celebration at her home on Christmas Eve 2016.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Hall's of Thomaston, 78 Main Street in Thomaston, where a celebration of her life will be held immediately following at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to the American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330 or the American Heart Association, 343 Gorham Road, So. Portland, ME 04106.

Halls of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.