Ruth Helen (Bushey) Pullen Age 94 Ruth Pullen, a longtime resident of Smithfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, May 28, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a beloved member of the Smithfield Baptist Church, and a 42 year member of the town s Christmas Club. She was known for baking homemade pies for weekly church suppers and knitting socks and scarves. She enjoyed dancing and Big Band music, passing on the love of each to her grandchildren. As the wife of a Marine Colonel, Ruth raised 4 children at various duty stations across the country, including her favorite Oahu, Hawaii. Aside from traveling the world, Ruth had an unmatched zest for life and rarely acted her age. This past December, she crossed the NYC Rockettes Holiday Spectacular off of her bucket list. Born in Waterville on February 8, 1920, Ruth was the oldest and last survivor of seven children of Aquila C. and Frances Louise Bushey. She joined the Navy as a WAVE in 1942, and married George Deck Pullen Jr., on December 29, 1945 after a three day engagement. Ruth is predeceased by her husband of 66 years and son Granville. She is survived by her son Ricky and Donna Pullen and their daughter, Ashley; daughter Kathi Knight and her children, Kendra, Molly, Matthew and Kalie; and daughter Lisa and Louis Turner and their children, Melissa, Caitlin, Jenna, Lauren and Erin; grandson Granville Dexter Pullen II and 15 great-grandchildren. Although Ruth is gone from this earth, her love, laughter and joie de vivre will live on in each life that she has touched. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., in Oakland. Her life and adventures will be celebrated with services at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at Smithfield Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Smithfield Baptist Church, c/o the Rev. Elbert Brewster, 152 South Alpine St., Oakland, ME 04963.