Ruth Oberg

Ruth W. Oberg quietly enlightened the world, doing what needed to be done to help others. She died peacefully at the age of 94 on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Bridgton — fully-celebrated and honored — her whole family there to say goodbye.

Ruth Elizabeth Wadleigh was born in Nashua, N.H., on April 14, 1923, to Clarence B. and Cornelia French Wadleigh. She grew up in Durham, N.H., and is survived by her two brothers, Clarence Jr. and Ralph. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary.

Ruth graduated from Northfield Academy and then received a BA from University of New Hampshire. She worked as a dietitian at Uplands, a missionary school in Pleasant Hill, Tenn., before attending Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and receiving her masters in religious education. She then moved to Orono, Maine, and worked as the head of Christian Education at UMO.

Here she met and married George M. Oberg. They moved to Bridgton in 1950, and had three children. She dedicated herself to raising her children, helping her husband with his insurance and real estate business, and becoming very involved with all aspects of the Congregational Church. For over 20 years she served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Ruth also established and served on the board of Landmark Resources and Good Neighbors Group Home, a sheltered work program and home for mentally-handicapped adults. Ruth continued her studies and received a second master’s in education. She taught special education at Oxford Hills Middle School.

After retirement, George became ill with ALS and Ruth, without hesitation or complaint, took over as caregiver. During this time, her 90-year-old mother also needed assistance and moved into her home. Ruth helped both live with full dignity and love for many years.

Quite surprisingly to Ruth, she then was able to begin to travel the world, seeing much of Europe and the U.S. At 79, she visited China to help her daughter adopt her youngest granddaughter.

Ruth will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. She leaves her immediate family — her three children and their spouses: Peter W. and his wife Judy from Bridgton, Steven N. and his wife Karen G. from Hooksett, N.H., and Karen E. from Andover, Mass.; her five grandchildren: Shaun, Hallory, Stephanie, James and Katie; and her four great-grandchildren: Jackson, Sawyer, Camden and Brienne. She was blessed with a wonderful extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church at 33 South High St., Bridgton. Burial will be at Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the church. Arrangements are in the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Condolences can be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com