Ruth I (Hurley) Anthoine March 7, 1929 May 2, 2016 Ruth I. (Hurley) Anthoine, 87, of Portland passed peacefully at her longtime home in Deering Center on Monday, May 2. She was born in Portland on March 7, 1929, the daughter of Lewis and Jennie Milbury Hurley of Portland. She was the beloved wife of Charles N. Anthoine, Jr. for over 57 years and devoted mother to their sons, Neal, Stephen, Bobby, and Billy. She attended schools in Portland and graduated from Deering High School in 1947. Ruth was a longtime active member of Clark Memorial Methodist Church in Portland. She directed the Children's Choir for many years and participated in a group of United Methodist Women called Makaria Circle. Ruth had a beautiful singing voice which always stood out above other choir members. She was commonly seen in many churches throughout Portland singing duets with Clyde Bailey and often receiving standing ovations for her solos. It was not unusual for her to sing the National Anthem at Elks Club functions. During high school, rumor has it Ruth and longtime childhood friend Barbara Davis would leave choir practice ""a little early"" to the displeasure of Choir Director Cliff Pike, catch a bus to the popular Westbrook Legion Hall dances, and carefully not missing the last bus to Portland at midnight. This is where they would eventually meet their future husbands. Ruth and her beloved husband Charlie were married on October 10, 1948 shortly after his return from the military. Ruth said the most joy in her life came from watching her four sons play sports. She and Charlie never missed a football, basketball or baseball game during their sons' high school and college careers. She would always say how proud she was of them, win or lose. Ruth often commented on all the wonderful friends she and Charlie made throughout the years traveling to athletic events. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, husband, Charles, and son Neal. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and wife Kathy of Scarborough, Bobby of Cumberland, Billy of Portland, and daughter-in-law Terri; brother, John Hurley of Portland and sister-in-law, Joann Livingston of North Carolina, six grandchildren Chuck, Chris, Travis, Kelly, Danielle and Brad, along with many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the direction of A.T. Hutchins, LLC Funeral and Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. A grave side service will be held on Monday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Cemetery, Route 202 in Windham (by the rotary). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth's name to: The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098 or Breast Cancer Center Fund, MMC, 22 Bramhill Street, Portland ME, 04102.