APPLETON — Ruth Zrioka, of Sennebec Pond, died April 25, 2016, at Windward Gardens Assisted Living Center in Camden, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

She was born in Camden on May 17, 1926, to Harvey N. and Annie Gillis Knight. She attended schools in Camden and Islesboro, graduating from Islesboro High School in 1945. Following graduation, Ruth moved to Sewickley, Pa., where she was employed as a housekeeper while attending modeling school. Later she moved to Akron, Ohio, to live with her cousin, Connie Merrill. She worked in Akron for Radio Station WHKK. It was also in Akron where she met her husband, William Zrioka, and where they married on July 3, 1954, at St. Paul's Catholic Church.

While in Akron, Ruth had two sons, William Damian and Patrick Avans. The family moved in 1959 to Portland, where they welcomed a third son, Joseph. While living in Cape Elizabeth, Ruth was elected and served two terms as Cumberland County Register of Probate. She was also employed by Eastern Tractor, Maine National Bank, Century 21, and LL Bean.

Ruth was active in the Altrusa Club of Portland, St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen in Rockland, the Clog Dancers of Union and The Belfast Curling Club. She also served as a parade judge for the inaugural Yarmouth Clam Festival.

Ruth was predeceased by three brothers and their wives, Winfield, John and Lorena, and Joseph and Virginia; a sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Hoyt I. Grindle; her nephews, Wayne L. Knight and Hoyt H. Grindle; a niece, Donna Knudsen; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Knight.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William Zrioka; one brother, Donald G. Knight of Portland; her sons, William D. and his partner, Victoria Herrin, of Houston, Texas, Patrick and his wife, Ulla, of North Yarmouth, and Joseph and his wife, Teri, of Brunswick; as well as her grandchildren, Elizabeth Soucie, and Peter, Sofia, Linnea, Oliver and Anton Zrioka. Her extended family include nieces and nephews in the Grindle family (Elaine, Linda, Rita, Patricia and Paul) and the Knight family (Ilene, Richmond, Diane and Billy).

Ruth enjoyed many happy years with her husband on Sennebec Pond. Their home was a gathering place for family and friends during holidays and summer cookouts, filled with ball playing, swimming and sailing. Many remember the Memorial Day weekends she hosted featuring The Gong Show.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend to all she met. She and her husband enjoyed working on their flower and vegetable gardens. They were communicants of Our Lady of Good Hope Church in Camden.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at 104 Limerock Street. She will be buried Monday, May 16, at 2 p.m. in Lassell-Drinkwater Cemetery in Searsmont.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Windward Gardens for the loving care they provided to Ruth during her final days.

While flowers are gratefully accepted, those who wish may make donations to St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Brenden the Navigator Parish, 7 Union Street, Camden, ME 04843.