Ashland & Garfield--- Ruth A. McKee, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at a Caribou nursing home. She was born February 26, 1924 in Oxbow, a daughter of the late Leon and Eldora (Atkins) Junkins.
Her and her husband owned many businesses throughout the years, including A.L. McKee Trucking and Logging, hauled lumber for Great Northern, and worked the woods for many years. They also worked their own dairy farm and poultry farm for several years. She was a life parishioner of Union Congregational Church, Ashland, a dedicated member of the church's Ladies Aid, and a 60-year, life-member of Order of Eastern Star, Tillikum Chapter #99. Ruth was devoted to her family and caring for her community. She tended to her garden, knitted and loved to share her bounties with family and friends.
Ruth's family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Caribou Rehab and Nursing for their dedication and care of Ruth over the last year and a half.
She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Sweetser and her husband Gary of Garfield Plt.; one sister, Rita Sherman of Ashland; two grandsons, Lendell Buckingham and his wife Jenn and Jamie Sweetser, all of Garfield Plt.; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Ruth is predeceased by her husband of almost 50 years, Lendell McKee in 1994, three brothers, Laurel "Jake", Stanley, and Lester Junkins, and a special nephew Ronnie McKee.
A funeral service will be celebrated at 2 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Union Congregational Church, Ashland, with Pastor Don Morton officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family Sunday 6-8:00 PM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland. Spring interment will be in Masardis Municipal Cemetery.
