Ruth Virginia (Belyea) Beamis

YARMOUTH – Ruth Virginia Belyea Beamis passed away peacefully with her daughter at her side in Yarmouth, on April 4, 2025 at the remarkable age of 101.

She is survived by daughter Mary Fowler, son-in-law David P. Fowler of Freeport; grandchildren, Olivia Ruth Fowler of Arlington, Va., and Noah Richard Fowler of Burlington, Vt.; siblings Richard Belyea, and Jeanette Belyea of Caribou; stepdaughter, Deborah Maxwell, of Vermont; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born March 1, 1924, in Caribou to Gordon and Adelaide (Sweeney) Belyea as one of 11 children. She graduated from Caribou High School in 1941 and received her Bachelor of Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1950.

She returned to Maine and worked for Child and Family Services (Maine Department of Health and Human Services) as a Social Worker. She continued to work as a social worker for 40 years and made a real and positive difference for many young children and families. As she grew older, we would drive around the countryside and she would recount stories of children and families she helped. This filled her heart with joy and was a fulfilling part of her life’s journey.

Ruth was a beloved and respected mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor. She was exceptionally involved in her community, volunteering for many organizations such as Meals on Wheels, and the local food pantry. She was also very active in a variety of clubs, and always enjoyed visiting with neighbors and keeping up with current events. She could recount a huge array of local history (and gossip) and knew a remarkable number of people by name, no matter where she ran into them. Her house was filled with well-wishers celebrating her 100th birthday just over a year ago and she was just as sharp as ever.

Ruth’s faith and her church family were very important to her. For the majority of the past century she attended every Sunday. She loved selling strawberry shortcakes at the Clam Festival and making bows for Christmas wreaths, as well as cooking pies. She was very prominent in the church kitchen for many years. As she gracefully aged, but became less mobile, she continued asking about church activities and individuals until the last day of her life.

She balanced a genuinely caring nature with a practical outlook and a witty sense of humor. Ruth loved nature, with special affection for dogs, birds and wildlife in general. She was known throughout her community as an avid walker.

At Ruth’s request, there will be a private graveside service in Cornish at a time convenient to her family.

To share memories with Ruth or to offer online condolences, please visit http://www.athutchins.com