Kittery - Ruth E. O'Brien, 79, formerly a long-time resident of Fernald Road in Kittery, died on January 15, 2016 at Kirkwood Corners in Lee, New Hampshire.

Born on October 30,1936 and raised in Amherst, Massachusetts she was the daughter of the late Ralph Sr. and Mildred (Ames) White. She attended local schools, graduating from Amherst High School in 1954.

Ruth worked as a secretary for the University of Massachusetts before marrying her loving husband Jim O'Brien in 1955. They began living and working in many duty stations while he served our country in the Air Force. Their homes included California, Alaska, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, Iran and here on the Seacoast. During this time she worked for the YMCA and held several other secretarial positions until her retirement.

She and Jim enjoyed their time spent traveling all over the country in their camper including making a trip across the country back to Alaska. She enjoyed painting handmade Christmas ornaments yearly for her grandchildren, exploring family genealogy, serving Meals on Wheels and being a cornerstone at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Kittery. She was a long-time member of the prayer chain, was the church secretary for many years, and was involved with many other committees and ministries.

Ruth was an active member of the Kittery community, volunteering for Kittery Chemical Awareness Program (KCAP) for many years, and was a founder of the Project Graduation program at RW Traip Academy.

Her first love was unquestionably her family. As her children grew she never missed a school or sporting event and was an active parent in the sports booster program. She dearly loved to have family together and enjoyed seeing her grandchildren grow. She was blessed with loving care from the staff at Kirkwood Corners and Compassionate Care Hospice.

Ruth is survived by two sons and their wives, Mike and Vicki (Rollins) of South Berwick and Dave and Deb (Blackett) of Kittery; along with grandchildren Kyle, Dayna, Lindsay, Brady, and Sierra and her brother Richard White of Millsboro, Delaware. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim, brothers Ralph White Jr. and Earl White.

Friends may visit with Ruth's family on Friday from 6-8pm in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine 03904. A funeral will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 am in St. Mark's United Methodist Church with a time of sharing and refreshment in the church parish hall following. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. Family flowers only please, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org . Care for the O'Brien family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.