Ruth Carsley

Ruth S. Carsley, 88, of West Yellowstone, MT passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at her home. She was born May 15, 1923 in Lynn, MA to Robert L. and Ann E. (Fenner) Strode. She grew up in Marblehead, MA, earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Middlebury College in Vermont and Masters in Reading Education from the University of Maine. Ruth married Hayward B. Carsley Jr on July 12, 1947. They moved to Mechanic Falls, ME in 1954 where they raised their family, made many close friends and were active community members. Ruth was a life-long educator specializing in high school reading education. She taught in Troy, NY, Mechanic Falls and Lewiston, ME and retired in 1990. During retirement Ruth and 'Pete' traveled the country extensively in their truck camper. She eventually visited all 50 states and most Canadian provinces. Ruth and Hayward moved to West Yellowstone, Montana in 2000 to be near their son Scott and his family. Ruth adapted well to life in West Yellowstone where she had many fine, caring friends. She was an active member the West Yellowstone Community Protestant Church, United Woman, and the West Yellowstone Senior Center. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Descendants of the Mayflower. She loved to read, mostly with her contented cat in her lap. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Hayward, her daughter Marion, her son Robert, her sister Barbara and her brother Robert. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Scott and Janice Carsley of West Yellowstone; granddaughter Jessica (Matt) Waddingham of Seattle, WA; grandson Cameron Carsley of Big Sky, MT; numerous nieces and nephews and her cat Emma. Services in West Yellowstone will be early summer. A graveside service will be held in the family plot in Mechanic Falls, Maine during summer. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Red Cross, 233 Edelweiss Dr. #9, Bozeman, MT 59718 or a local chapter of choice.