Ruth Ida Seigars, age 89, passed away peacefully at Woodlands Senior Living in Hallowell on November 8, 2026.
Ruth was born on November 18, 1936, in Richmond, Maine, to Dexter and Madeline Seigars, she is predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Donald Herrick of Sanford, Maine; parents, Dexter and Madeline; son, Philip Earl Lumbert; brothers, Dexter Seigars of Connecticut, Herbert Seigars of New Hampshire, and Franklin Seigars of Windsor, Maine; sisters, Mildred Rittal of Dresden, Maine, and Elizabeth Tobey of Pittston, Maine; and grandson Gregory Lumbert, Jr., of Pittston, Maine.
She was the matriarch of a large family. She is survived by her son, Gregory Lumbert, and wife Michele of Pittston, Maine; daughter, Ellen Gammon and husband Frederick of Litchfield, Maine; daughter, Ethel Jarvi and husband Donald of Richmond, Maine; sister, Lois Cooper of Augusta, Maine; and dearly loved Stepson, Stephen Herrick of Sanford, Maine.
She is also survived by six grandchildren: Elizabeth, Tabatha, Gregory Robert, Donald Jr., Jesse, and Mercedes; twelve great-grandchildren: Selina, Taylor, Emma, Olivia, Abigail, Jasmine, Kolby, Lilly, Naomi, Arthur, Donella, and Beau; and three great-great-grandchildren: Ellie, Mia, and Zane.
Ruth graduated from Richmond High School and married Robert Lumbert of Cundy’s Harbor. She owned and managed Lumbert’s Boarding Home, taking in and caring for 8 disabled American veterans. Ruth treated these gentlemen as part of the family, and they loved her very much.
Ruth was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene in Richmond, Maine, until she moved to southern Maine. She had a beautiful voice and often played songs at Sunday services as well as playing the piano. She was especially gifted, as she did not read music and could play any song by hearing it once. She loved God and was known to quote scripture when wisdom was needed. On any given day, Ruth could be found in the dining room playing gospel songs for the boarders, friends, and family. She simply loved music.
Ruth also took in children from the town and cared for them in her home. A skilled seamstress, she could often be found making her children’s clothes. She worked for Eaton Shoe Company for years, demonstrating a strong work ethic and taking immense pride in doing things to perfection.
Ruth later became a nursing and medication assistant, working in several nursing care facilities until she was 76, when she retired to care for her husband, who had serious health problems. She was the consummate healer and caregiver.
Ruth was known as a loyal friend who possessed a wonderful sense of humor and curiosity. She was never afraid of a colorful story or joke and was known to be somewhat of a prankster. She loved to laugh. In her later years, she found joy in taking long walks several times a day—by all accounts, walking up to five miles a day well into her 80s. She made dozens of friends in her community, spoke fondly of all of them and they of her. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched.
Special thanks to Ruth’s sister, Lois Cooper, who gave unquestioned love and devotion to our mother. You will never know the difference that you have made to your sister in her time of need. Your near daily visits meant the world to your sister and she, even when memories were fading, could remember if you had visited or not. Thank you, Auntie!
Additional thanks to the staff and administration of Woodlands Senior Living of Hallowell, who made our mother feel a part of the team, keeping her feeling purposeful, safe, and at home. Your efforts were not unnoticed. Thank you to Andwell Health Partners, who provided critical hospice care to our mother and helped Ruth in her transition from this life here on earth to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven. Thank you also to Monica, a dedicated medical provider, who gave compassionate care to our mother through the years.
A celebration of life memorial service will be announced later.