YARMOUTH — Ruth “Ruthie” Estelle Hutchins, 93, of Yarmouth, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023.

Gentle and calm, Ruth will be remembered as the glue that kept her family grounded. She was known for having a quiet and shy side that was complimented by a playful, silly spirit that she reserved only for those closest to her. As a devoted wife and wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruth had a deep, abiding love for her family.

Ruth was born in Hollis, Maine, to Dorothy and Harry Harmon on November 28, 1929. The second eldest of five children, she was raised in Hollis until age six when her family moved to Portland where she graduated from Deering High School in 1947.

On July 9, 1949, Ruth married the love of her life, George “Joe” Hutchins. As the ultimate homemaker, she dedicated her life to raising their four children in Falmouth. Ruth was known for her tremendous patience and delectable desserts. While she adored all children and animals, she especially delighted in babies. She proudly played an active role as “Nana” to her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was reliably present throughout their lives.

She was happiest surrounded by family including her late nephew, David Hutchins, and dear friend, Tina Vanasse, at the family camp in Sebago, her chosen place for peace and tranquility since the age of 13. She loved swimming and cruising in the clear waters and found genuine joy there every summer for nearly 80 years.

Ruth’s favorite hobbies were ice skating, dancing the jitterbug with Joe, and socializing with the local ski community at Pleasant Mountain where she particularly cherished a friendship with Linda Dolloff. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed needle- point, knitting, crocheting, snowmobiling, and bowling. A self- described sweet tooth, she savored chocolate and was known to always have a bowl of candies nearby. Ruth was a loyal Red Sox fan and when she wasn’t watching baseball, you could find her rooting for the Patriots or enjoying NASCAR.

She was loved by all and will be remembered fondly for her strong hugs, easy laugh, and the sparkle in her bright blue eyes that resembled a hydrangea on a summer day.

Ruth is survived by her children Stephen Hutchins (Cindy) of Falmouth, Mark Hutchins (Christina) of Falmouth, Debbie Cadigan (Skip) of Bridgton, Leslie Wallace (Len) of Sonoma, Calif.; her grandchildren Allison McBrierty, Melissa Quinn, Cale Hutchins, Dane Hutchins, Katie Wallace, Erin Cadigan; and her great-grandchildren Jackson and Addison McBrierty, Claira and Julia Quinn, Cameron and Nell Hutchins, brother-in-law Jim Cobb and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, George “Joe” Hutchins, parents Harry and Dororthy Harmon, and siblings, Harry Jr., David, Danny, and Shirley Cobb.

The family extends their deep gratitude to the Bay Square staff for their care and compassion and to Compassus Hospice Care staff for their gracious end-of-life care.

Graveside Services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment in Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, Portland. Those wishing to send a tribute in memory of Ruth may do so at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, 383 US Rt. 1 2-C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to Spaulding Memorial Library, 300 Sebago Road, Sebago, ME 04029.