Ruby A. Whitney

Ruby A. Whitney, 97, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2013 surrounded by family.

Ruby and her late husband Clyde were well known and loved in the Casco/Raymond area.

Ruby was born on Sept. 3, 1915 in Harrison, to Harry and Bessie Chapman, one of five siblings. She went to local schools, graduating from Bridgton Academy in 1934, and went on to complete a correspondence course in Commercial Art. While at Bridgton Academy, she met a baseball player named Clyde. She and Clyde Whitney married in 1934 and moved to South Casco with Clyde’s parents. Later, they built a home on Raymond Cape, where they owned and operated Rocky Knoll Poultry Farm. Together, they were avid hunters, fishermen and gardeners. They had two children — Sandra W. Swett and Wayne Whitney. As well as running a farm, she worked for many years at Pineland Hospital in housekeeping, eventually as Head of Housekeeping.

Ruby loved music. She was a passionate spoon player, never missing an opportunity to pull those beloved spoons out of her bag and playing along or playing on her own for all to enjoy. Along with the spoons, Ruby was an accomplished piano and accordion player and teacher for many years.

During retirement, Ruby and Clyde loved to travel, often bringing one of their grandchildren along. She enjoyed Sunday drives, seeking out new places to discover. She was active in the local and state granges, holding many offices. Ruby was well known for her creativity, never missing an opportunity to make a costume for herself or her grandchildren and marching in parades, putting on skits, or sewing for grange competitions.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Clifford Chapman, Kenneth Chapman, Bill Chapman, Wey Chapman and Ruth Cummings.

She is survived by daughter, Sandy Swett; son, Wayne Whitney; 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Murch Cemetery in South Casco on Thursday, July 11 at 2 p.m.