ROCKLAND – Gary W. Ames, 69, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at his home in Milford.

Born in Rockland, August 3, 1949, he was the son of Denis E. and Norma Richards Ames.  

Gary loved attending the Mobius Inc., DownEast Horizons and the Gathering Place, where he made many friends and became an accomplished artist.  He was very proud to have participated in the Special Olympics.  Gary loved the Lord and regularly attended church.  

For several years he lived in Boothbay and attended the Boothbay Harbor Baptist Church, where he made many friends.  Gary was also an avid Patriots and Red Sox Fan, watching many games.  He shopped at thrift stores regularly and loved playing Bacci Ball.  He is well known and loved throughout his family and community of friends.

For the past six months, Gary resided in Milford.  His family extends a special thank-you to Tara from Alliance Case Management and the McKay Agency. 

Gary is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Karissa Hartley; his granddaughter, Olivia Hartley all of Steep Falls; his siblings, Judith Steeves of Rockland, Daniel E. Ames of Lincolnville, Deborah Hendrick of Union; nieces and nephews, Richard Steeves, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Cushing, Steven Steeves and his wife Rada of Rockland, Jamie Steeves and his fiancée Joanne of Union, Jennifer Gillespie her husband Uriah and their son Gardner of Waldoboro, Shane Hendrick  his wife Liz and their children of Camden, Rachelle Hendrick, of South Thomaston; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Rebecca Steeves and her partner Eric Peddle, Kevin Steeves, Ashley Steeves, Autumn Bellefleur and her husband Daniel, Amber Acona her husband Evan and son Ollivander, Jullian Murphy, Jarib Murphy his wife Desi and their children, Jocelin Wall her husband Caleb and their children, as well as his many friends.  

Visiting hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, January 22, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.  A graveside service at Achorn Cemetery will be announced in the spring.  Memorial donations may be made to Maine Special Olympics, Inc., 125 John Roberts Road, South Portland, ME 04106.  To share a memory or story with Gary’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.