Obituary of Ella Ruth Bowden

Ella Ruth Bowden (Whitcomb), 90, passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 21, 2016. Born December 13, 1925 Ella was one of fifteen children born in Waldo, Maine to Lillian and Ralph Haney Whitcomb. Ella graduated from Crosby High School in Belfast in 1945 and immediately started work in the shoe factories of Belfast. Ella worked in the shoe factory business for many years, a job she took pride in and truly enjoyed. She loved the outdoors and after retiring spent much of her time enjoying long walks and gardening. Sweet Peas were her favorite flower. Later in life Ella moved to Winterport to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She loved spending time with her pets, Alex, Winnie, and Louie who kept her company most days. Ella also loved sitting outside on any warm and sunny day. She especially enjoyed the waves and honks of those that passed by, gaining a small Route 1A fan club of sorts. Ella had a great spirit and welcomed everyone. She was a joy to all who knew her. Ella was predeceased by her parents, her husband Harold (Buddy), and eight siblings, including an infant twin. She is survived by her son Kerry and wife Bonnie of Belmont; her daughter and caregiver Laurel and husband Everett of Winterport; three grandchildren: Darci and husband Fred, Kelci and husband Jim, and Eric; two sisters and one brother; two great-grandchildren: Brianna and Kylee; and many nieces and nephews. Ella’s family would like to thank Winterport Community Health, Gentiva, Hospice of Eastern Maine, Barbara, Donna and especially Katie from Homecare of Maine, and their many friends for helping her to remain in the home she loved until her passing. Anyone wishing to honor Ella may make donations in her memory to Hospice of Eastern Maine or the Winterport Volunteer Ambulance Service. A celebration of Ella’s life will be held in the spring.