Ruth Eleanor (Hanson) Beale March 31, 1921 August 1, 2014 Portland - Ruth Eleanor (Hanson) Beale died at her home in Portland, August 1st, 2014. Ruth was born March 31st, 1921 in Portland, Maine. She was the daughter of Grover C. and Luella (Ross) Hanson. She was the granddaughter of Frederic J. and Georgiana (Whitman) Hanson and Charles D. and Helen (Witham) Ross. Her father was the owner of the former Allen and Hanson Shoe Stores and a past President of The Maine Retailers Association. Ruth was educated in Portland and was an outstanding graduate of Deering High School where she excelled as a top student and played the piano in the school orchestra. Ruth was a natural athlete who was passionate about sports; she served as captain of Deering High School's women's varsity basketball team. An outdoor enthusiast, Ruth enjoyed tennis, golf and skiing throughout her life. Ruth married Keith H. Beale of Cape Elizabeth on June 6th, 1942 at the Williston-West Church in the West End, Portland. After settling into Cape Elizabeth, they moved to South Portland before returning to her family home on Pleasant Avenue in Deering Center, Portland. With a growing family in the 1950s, the family moved to their forever home in North Deering. Ruth believed in living a full, active and compassionate life. She was a supporter of many Portland causes and her past memberships included multiple associations and organizations supporting the arts, music, social networks and community clubs. Ruth believed in being a caring individual which came through in her passion for life and contribution. She was always one to lend a helping hand. Ruth encouraged her children to be athletic and musical which naturally extended to the neighborhood children and friends alike. She had a life-long passion for good food, friendship, discussion, generosity, leadership and community. She loved animals and with every single addition to the family's pets, she cherished a lifetime of beloved cats and dogs. She believed in animal welfare and in her earlier years endeavored to support many animal-related fund-raising events. Ruth is pre-deceased by her daughter Diane E. Davis, her son David F. Beale, her infant great- granddaughter Samantha Davis, her brothers Frederic R. (Evelyn) Hanson, Richard W. (Marjorie) Hanson and Philip N. (Elizabeth) Hanson. She was also pre-deceased by her husband's sisters, Blanche Herbert, Marion Dodge, Verna Hall and Helen Andrews. Ruth's husband of 72 years, Captain Keith H. Beale, passed away just yesterday, August 9, and is together with her again. They are both survived by their sons and spouses, Captain Keith M. (Joy) Beale, Ross F. (Ellen) Beale, Daniel H. (Paul Mavris) Beale and James W. (Mary) Beale. Throughout Ruth's life she was devoted to, and actively involved with, her ten grandchildren, providing her love and support. She was blessed with a large and loving family including eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, whom she loved. Ruth was a past member of Emmaus Lutheran Church, Falmouth and First Lutheran Church, Portland. Per Ruth's wishes, funeral services will be private with burial in the Hanson Family lot in Forest City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and offerings of condolences, contributions are most welcome at The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04092. The Donation Fund is set up in our Mother's name, Ruth E. Beale. On behalf of the Beale Family, we would like to thank the VNA Home Health & Hospice and all the extended staff for their amazing compassion and care, Dr. William Ervin and his InterMed staff, Pastor David Alvord and the staff and friends of First Lutheran Church, all her friends from her years in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, our North Deering neighbors and special mention for Ruth's long-time, dear friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted to A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home 660 Brighton Ave. Portland, Maine. ""Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky. I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast. My cheeks like a drowsy child to the face of the earth I have pressed. Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.""