Ruth L. Presby, 86, of Lewis Drive on Westport Island, died at her residence with her family at her side on Monday, October 22, 2012 after a courageous five month battle with cancer.

She was born in Bristol on September 8, 1926, a daughter of Floyd W. and Catherine E. (Hiscock) Goodell.

She graduated from Morse High School and then Mercy School of Nursing in the mid-1940's.  She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Portland and Bath Memorial Hospital as well as working as a private duty nurse at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor and Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta. She retired after 25 years of service as a health care nurse with KNO-WAL-LIN Health.

She was a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Wiscasset. She enjoyed sailing, dancing, singing, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with her family and grandchildren.  She loved music and playing the organ.

She was predeceased by her longtime companion, John M. Lewis in 2008; Alvin Presby Sr. in 1995; one brother, Raymond Goodell; three sisters, Martha Stevens, Barbara Phinney and Sally Coffin.

She is survived by one son, Alvin "Butch" Presby Jr. and his wife Nancy of Bath, one daughter,  Laurayne Presby of Westport Island; one stepson, Gary Lewis and his wife Mary of Gardiner, three stepdaughters, Deanna Lewis and her husband Jerry of South Carolina, Corinne Lewis Hodsdon of Jefferson and Janet Morgan of Wiscasset; four brothers, Harold Goodell of Wyoming, Philip Goodell of Cornville, Floyd Goodell of Skowhegan and Wayne Goodell of  Woolwich; one sister, Florine Small of Belfast, eight grandchildren, Michael Presby, Peter Presby, Rhonda Halpin, Ryan Morgan, B.J. Appleton, Brent Appleton, Sue Capps and Shawn Lewis; many great grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill
Island, Topsham, 04086 or a charity of one's choice..

Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.