Ruth C. Leavitt, 92, formally of Boothbay Harbor, died peacefully March 18 in Stuart, Florida.

She was born in Lamoine, Maine August 10, 1923 to Colin G. Chamberlain and Florence Ashmore Chamberlain. She grew up in Hancock and Ellsworth area, graduating from Ellsworth High School, class of 1942.

Ruth lived for many years in Woolwich, where she and her husband started a construction company, Don Leavitt, Inc. In 1957 they moved their family to Boothbay Harbor where they continued the construction business and established two others. Much to her husband's dismay, her entrepreneurial idea was a huge success; she established clambakes on Cabbage Island. She successfully operated the seasonal business for 23 years, feeding thousands before retiring to Stuart in 1980.

Retirement brought Ruth a life she never dreamed possible — health, world travels and dear friendships. In the Stuart area, she was known in most AA groups as "one you can always call on for help and guidance." On February 14, she celebrated her 45th AA anniversary.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Alfred Chamberlain, Fredric Chamberlain and Phyllis Crocker, and her longtime companion, Don Wells.

She is survived by her daughter, PattiJo and her husband Robert Barter of Southport and Stuart, Florida; their sons, Aaron and Meghan Barter of Pensacola, Florida and Gary Barter of Boothbay; son, James McCusker of Henderson, Nevada and his children, Stephen and Chrissy McCusker of Elkridge, Maryland, Debbe and Rick Reynolds of Monticello, Kentucky, and Colleen McCusker of Baltimore, Maryland; daughter-in-law, Mary McCusker of Boothbay Harbor; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

At Ruth's request, there will be no funeral. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. If you so desire, contributions in Ruth's name can be made to your local animal shelter.