Ruth (Lake) LaVine

WEST PARIS – Ruth Lake LaVine, 96, of West Paris, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones on Feb. 19, 2025.

Ruth was born in Brentwood, N.H. May 12, 1928, the daughter of LeRoy Lake and Marien Thurston.

Ruth went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Education at Keene State Teachers College in Keene, N.H. in 1951. It was also at Keene State that she met Bob (Clyde) LaVine of Ludlow, Vt., who was her beloved spouse of 68 years.

Ruth had a passion for teaching; especially reading. She taught various elementary grades throughout New Hampshire, and upon moving to Maine taught 1st grade at Poland Community School. It was from Poland Community School in Poland, where Ruth retired at the age of 78.

A highly skilled knitter, sewer and baker, it was rare that Ruth was not busy with one or another of these crafts. Ruth loved God, and her church. She sang in the church choir, played in the bell choir, participated in Helping Hands, and loved going to the weekly Gathering. Her church was her heart and her home for many special years.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Bob (Clyde) LaVine; her eldest son, Michael LaVine, and her eldest daughter, Kimberly LaVine and fiancé Edward Smith Jr. She was also predeceased by her father, LeRoy Lake, mother, Marien Thurston; sisters Shirley Goodrich, Mary Haas, and Doris Jacobs.

Ruth is survived by her son, Joel LaVine and his wife Deborah LaVine of West Palm Beach, Fla., her daughter, Nancy LaVine and her husband William Grover of West Paris, her son, Robert LaVine and his partner Robin DuLac of Manchester, N.H., and her daughter, Shannon (LaVine) Stone and her partner Brett Miller of Wells. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Manning of Bethel, Vt., and brother, Charles Chamberlain of Franklin N.H. Ruth is survived by 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is in God’s hands, and for that we rejoice.

Ruth LaVine’s funeral service is to be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn on Saturday, March 8 at 11 a.m. Words and stories of love and laughter are encouraged, as well as colorful clothing. Reception following. Burial will be held at Ye Old Cemetery in Freetown, Mass. on a later date.

Arrangements by The Fortin & Pinette Group, Auburn.