ROCKLAND — Ruben Tuttle, 72, went peacefully home to be with his Lord May 10, 2013, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Gardiner Sept. 28, 1940, he was raised in Randolph by Herbert and Martha Sherman. Educated locally, he was a 1959 graduate of Gardiner High School.

Rubens incredible work ethic led him to become self employed at the age of 12. After graduating high school he owned and operated a used car dealership in Randolph for several years. He also owned a grocery business, Tuttle's Liquidation, in Randolph.

On Oct. 2, 1971, Ruben married Ann Rines at the First Baptist Church in Fairfield. Together the couple moved to Rockland, where they have resided for over 40 years. Ruben was well known as the owner of Mid-Coast Auto Sales, and in 1973 he and Ann opened Tuttle's Shoe Barn in Rockland, eventually operating in five locations.

An avid philatelist, Ruben was president of the Knox County Stamp Club, which met at his home. He also enjoyed dabbling in comic book and die cast car collecting.

He had a generous spirit and on more than one occasion donated many truck loads of shoes to Russia, the Salvation Army and Goodwill. He also enjoyed preparing Thanksgiving baskets and often gave money and tires to people in need. He loved and was passionate toward his wife, children and grandchildren. He was humorous to fellow car dealers, bankers, receptionists and parts stores employees, garages, waitresses, customers, etc. Later in life, Ruben could be found giving lollipops to the children and grown-ups weekly at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, where he made many friends.

Predeceased by a brother, Kenneth E. Tuttle, in 2002; and a daughter-in-law, Laura Shive Tuttle, in 2012; Ruben is survived by his wife, Ann Tuttle of Rockland; his daughter, Laurie Lombardo and her husband, Stephen, of Waldoboro; his sons, Richard Tuttle of Raynham, Mass., and Stephen Tuttle of Cushing; his sisters, Kathleen Hebb and her husband, Paul, of Randolph, Betty Monteith of Chelsea, and Roxy Gervis and her husband, Roger, of Randolph; three grandchildren, Marissa Daddio and her husband, Jeffrey, of Chelsea, Mass., and Caleb Lombardo and Janna Lombardo, both of Waldoboro; several half-brothers and half-sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Presbyterian, 188 Rockland St. in Rockport. The Rev. Stephen Tracy will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 188 Rockland St., Rockport, ME 04856.

To share a memory or condolence with Ruben's family, visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.