Obituary of Ruth L. Crowley

RUTH L. CROWLEY, 91, died March 22, 2009 in Farmingdale. She was born in Sebec, Maine on January 21, 1918, daughter of William A. and Ila M. (Lamson) Levensalor. She lived in Dover-Foxcroft until she was married in 1942, lived in Greenville for 17 years until 1957, and resided in Augusta until 1977. She then moved to the Clearwater-Largo area in Florida until the death of her husband, E. Francis Crowley, in 2002, at which time she moved back to Augusta. She was a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, Colby College, and the Boston University School of Law. She maintained her law office in her home before moving to Augusta. She was the first woman in the State of Maine to be appointed Assistant Attorney General, and was legal counsel for the Maine Department of Health and Welfare. Ruth was a member of South Parish Congregational Church in Augusta, Faith UCC Church in Clearwater and the Maine State Bar Association. She was also Past Matron of Susie Carr Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Sangerville and served as Worthy Grand Matron of the State organization. Professionally she was a member of Uniform Enforcement of Child Support Conference where she was past chairman of its Eastern sector and past national president; and was a charter member and second president of the American Association of Welfare Attorneys. Ruth enjoyed knitting and other handwork, reading and playing bridge. She volunteered for 9 1/2 years at Hospice of the Florida Sun Coast, Hospice of Kennebec County and Kids' Peace. She traveled extensively with her husband, both in this country and abroad. They visited six of the seven continents and more than 50 different countries. They especially liked Greece where Ruth was invited to be godmother to the son of a physician friend in Crete. Survivors include her son, William F. Crowley and his wife Diane of Farmingdale; a granddaughter, Cheryl Skaggs and her husband Charles of Bennett, CO; great-grandaughters Jessica Smith of Denver, CO, and Tanya Smith of Fort Collins, CO; and a nephew, George W. Levensalor of Millinocket. At Ruth's request, there will be no services. Interment will be later in the spring at the family plot in Greenville. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Hospice of Kennebec County. On-line condolences may be placed at directcremationofmaine.com.