Brewer, Maine - Ruth E. (Cook) Smith, 91, died peacefully on November 18, 2025, attended by her family. She was born in Presque Isle, December 30, 1933, the daughter of Mildora Jane Burpee and Henry Ward Beecher Cook.

Ruth enjoyed telling the story of having two high school diplomas. One from attending Ashland Community High School for nearly four years. The second was from Presque Isle High School, after having moved there a month before graduation in 1952. She worked in the service industry for many years. In 1991, she received a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from the University of Maine, Presque Isle. After, she enjoyed working for a short time at a local homeless shelter. She loved sewing, painting, and gardening.

In addition to her children, Norman Pelkey and spouse, Sherill Reid, of Waterville, and Edner (Pelkey) Fago and spouse, Robert Fago Jr., of Brewer, she is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Alexander Fago of Brewer, Jessica Johnson of Holden, Jody McPhail of Perry, Jasmin Pelkey-Labonte of Waterville, Ray Pelkey of Waterville, Shalina Stymiest of Florida, and Dustin Pelkey of Florida; her great-grandchildren, Mason Dickey of Perry, Bryan Johnson of Presque Isle, Ian Johnson of Holden, Rowan Johnson of Holden, Xavier Pelkey of Waterville, and Ethayn Pelkey of Waterville. Ruth left behind many loved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two husbands, Nelson Pelkey and Ronald Smith; sister, Leona Deveau; daughter, Sarah (Sally) Look; son, Nelson (Jim) Pelkey; and son, Raymond Pelkey.

Ruth was loved and will be greatly missed. In keeping with her wishes, a private committal service will be held on July 11 at Castle Hill Cemetery.