ROCKLAND — Ruth E. Low, 99, passed away peacefully, September 18, 2025, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland, November 26, 1925, she was the daughter of Almon and Grace Staples Carter. Educated in local schools, Ruth was a 1944 graduate of Rockland High School, where she enjoyed playing center guard for the girls' basketball team.

After graduation, Ruth married Kenneth Low upon his return from military service. While raising and caring for their family, she began working for Van Baalen Pacific Corp. She worked there for more than 20 years. A devoted mother, Ruth was actively involved in the lives of her children, accompanying them horseback riding, skiing, and cheering them on at games and events.

In 1969, on the very first day it opened, Ruth began her career as a CNA at Chandlers Nursing Home, where she dedicated nearly a decade of service. In 1977, she joined Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care in Rockland. From there she advanced to serving as administrator of the Talbot Home in Rockland in the late 1980s. Ruth remained in that role until her retirement in 2009. She later served ten years in private duty care for the Chisolm and Beverage families.

A dedicated member of the Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church since 1943, Ruth generously gave her time and talents to teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and serving on many committees and boards. She belonged to the Fidelis Sunday School Class and was the first woman to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Known to be like a second mother and neighborhood nurse, Ruth welcomed countless neighborhood children into her home. She often knew about her sons’ mischief in the South End before they even made it back home to the North End. Her life was deeply rooted in Rockland’s North End, where she remained a familiar presence all her life. Remarkably, she continued driving until just a few weeks ago, with her license renewed and valid through age 102 after passing her eye exam at the DMV.

Ruth was also famous for her Whoopie Pies! She shipped them all over the world to her sons while they served overseas in the military. Every Easter, she delighted family and friends by hiding Easter eggs and Whoopie Pies for the kids and adults.

Beyond her home and career, Ruth loved skiing, biking, traveling, visiting Hawaii, St. Martins and Amish Country. But her greatest joy was always her family. She was the common thread that tied her large family together, faithfully recording birthdays and special occasions in “The Book.” Each year, she made sure every card was purchased and sent and even mastered the iPhone to stay connected with her grandchildren.

Though her home was small, it always overflowed with love, laughter, and people for every holiday. Ruth was still holding family dinners at least once a month in her home, where meals ended with playing cards together. She eagerly anticipated the next family gathering, often starting to plan it before the current one had ended.

Other than her parents, Ruth was predeceased by two sons, Donald S. Carter, Karl W. Low; a son-in-law, Barry G. Pitcher; and one grandson, Kenneth Clayton ‘KC’ Carter.

She is lovingly remembered by her son Stanley Low and his wife Susan of Lincolnville; two daughters-in-law, Joyce Pitcher of Washington, Jean Benjamin and her husband Paul of Rockland; her brother, Freeman Carter and his wife Bette of Hope; nine grandchildren, Scott Sukeforth (Lori), Debbie Richards (Ray), Pam Heal (Alan), Terri Sukeforth, Stephen Sukeforth, Ryan Low (Missy), David Low (Hilary), Darrin Low, Jakob Low (Charlotte); 16 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Achorn Cemetery in Rockland. Pastor Mark Adolphsen will officiate. The most convenient access to the cemetery is from the Lake Avenue entrance. A reception will follow at the Rockland Lodge of Elks, 210 Rankin Street.

To share a memory or story with Ruth’s family, please visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, One Waldo Avenue, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.