Ruth Arlene Corson

Skowhegan – Ruth (Avery) Gower Corson, 94, passed away with her family by her side at Maplecrest in Madison on December 4, 2012. She was born in Dexter on April 10, 1918 the daughter of Virgie (Hayden) and Guy Avery. Her mother passed away when she was one year old, so Ruth lived with relatives and friends until she married Byron Gower at the age 16. They settled in Canaan and raised four children. Besides helping her husband on their farm, Ruth worked as a housekeeper and home health aide. For a time she worked at Camp Modin and at the Woolen Mill.

Ruth lost her first husband in 1959 and then married Mayron Corson, Sr. in 1967. They worked together raising chickens. After his retirement, they enjoyed camping and traveling to PEI, Newfoundland and all across the country. Ruth was a member of the Canaan Grange and then Skowhegan Grange where she was the oldest member. She was also a 25 year member of the Skowhegan TOPS Club. In her spare time, Ruth loved watching the Celtics and playing Pokeno; and she always made time to talk on the phone. Ruth made friends wherever she went, and she had a great sense of humor.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents; 2 husbands; infant son, Robert; daughter, Virginia Clark; sons, Stanley Gower and Alan Gower; grandson, Stephen Gower; and step-son, Terry Corson. She is survived by her son, David Gower and wife Sheila of Skowhegan; step-son, Mayron Corson, Jr. and his wife Darlene of Skowhegan; step-daughter, Pauline Corson of Madison; son-in-law, William Clark and wife Harriet of Skowhegan; daughters-in-law, Judy Gower of China and Maggie Gower of Las Vegas, NV; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; several step grandchildren; 4 nieces; and special friends, Arlene and Clifford Brooks of Skowhegan, Louise and Bill Townsend of Canaan, and many more too numerous to mention.

Family and friends may visit from 6-8pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, ME, a funeral service will be held at Skowhegan Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, at 10am, Friday, December 7, 2012 with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Canaan.

Ruth’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Maplecrest for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home.

Notes of condolence or remembrance may be written to Ruth’s family at www.smartandedwardsfh.com