Ruth E. Kierstead, 101, of Wiscasset died peacefully on Feb. 12, 2017 at home with family by her side.

She was born in Milo on Dec. 19, 1915, the only daughter of Herbert L. and Jennie J. (Cranmore) Ladd.  She graduated from Milo High School and later from Farmington Normal School in Farmington.  She was a schoolteacher for several years in Livermore Falls where she met her future husband, William Irving Kierstead.  They were married in Milo on Sept. 6, 1941 and later moved to Wiscasset.  In Wiscasset, she was a substitute teacher and some of her former students from many years past have continued to visit her. She was also a dedicated mom, devoted wife and community volunteer. 

She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church – United Church of Christ in Wiscasset where she was involved in the organ society and choir, including 20 years as volunteer music director.  She was also a member of the Wiscasset Garden Club.

Ruth was a woman of great faith.  She survived the passing of her husband, son, and daughter but never lost sight of the good in the world. In the face of tragedies that would have crushed a weaker person, sustained by faith and love, she remained uncomplaining, full of life, warm and open-hearted.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, playing piano and especially spending time with her family and friends. She loved solving crossword puzzles well into her nineties, often with her cat Goldie in her lap.

She was predeceased by her husband, her son Richard Kierstead, her daughter Lois Kierstead-Lapid, and her daughter-in-law, Wendy Newell Kierstead.

Ruth will be greatly missed by her three grandchildren, Matthew Kierstead and his wife Erica of Sahuarita, Arizona, Laurie Kierstead-Joseph and her husband Michael of Tucson, Arizona, and Jessica Lapid Leonard and her husband William, also of Tucson. Also bereft are her son-in-law Remon Lapid and his wife Nancy of Chatham, New Jersey, her sister-in-law Jean Amaya of Shelby, North Carolina, eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Joshua, Audrey, Mark Anthony, Jerami, Arturo, Richard, and Evelyn, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19  at the First Congregational Church – United Church of Christ in Wiscasset.  A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Church Fellowship Hall.  Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset in the spring.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church – United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 350, Wiscasset, ME 04578 or to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite #300, Topsham, ME 04086.  Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath.  Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.