ROCKLAND – Ruth E. Batty, 92, died peacefully, following an extended decline due to dementia, Friday, February 17, 2023 at Knox Center for Long Term Care. 

Born October 17, 1930 in St. George, she was one of 10 children of Llewellyn and Margaret Maker Elwell.  Ruth was educated locally and was a 1949 graduate of Rockland High School. 

Following high school Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for Spruce Head Lobster as well as Great Eastern Mussle Farm.  Later in life she worked in the fabric departments of several local retail shops including, Fabric Bonanza, Senter Cranes, Ames Department Store and J.C. Penney’s.  

On August 25, 1950 Ruth married Seth ‘Bill’ Batty. Together they made their home in Spruce Head, and raised four daughters.  Bill passed away in 1989.  

Ruth always had an affinity for fabric, crafts and sewing.  She was an accomplished seamstress, and often helped her fellow residents at Stella Maris with alterations and mending.  She loved knitting and cross-stich, making many beautiful gifts for her friends and family.  

In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed going hunting with her husband, and taking rides to look for deer.  She was always helpful, and would do anything for someone in need.  At one point in her life, she even took in an infant in need of a home for three months until the parents could get back on their feet.  Her own children were teenagers, and it broke her heart, but she was there to help. 

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her. 

Predeceased by her husband; a daughter Pamela Jean Batty; a son Timothy; and a son-in-law William Curtis; a grandson Marcus Curtis; and a great-grandson Matthew Curtis; Ruth is survived by her daughters, Susan Parker and her husband, Kent, of Union; Laura Curtis, of South Thomaston; and Tracy Batty, of Augusta; her grandchildren, Andrew Parker and his partner Jocelynn Perry, Cathy Curtis, Christopher Curtis and his wife Jennifer, Karen Timmermeyer and her husband Michael, Seth Batty and his partner Hannah Wiles; as well as her great-grandchildren, Thomas Curtis and his fiancé Kathryn Fraser, Cassandra Stewart and her husband Trent, Samuel Curtis and his fiancé Christie Wolfe, Owen Curtis, David Benjamin Curtis, Joseph Curtis-Hamilton, Abigail Crosby; and four step-great-grandchildren, Carter, Alena, Jonah and Stella Slocum.  

A graveside celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2023 at Ocean View Cemetery, in South Thomaston.  

To share a memory or condolence with Ruth’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.