By Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer
Family and friends from near and far gathered on Oct. 9 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ruth Brown Peabody of Houlton. The guest of honor was presented with a Legislative Sentiment from the State of Maine by Rep. Joyce Fitzpatrick along with many cards from those attending.
Peabody graduated from Lawrence High School in Fairfield in 1928 and from Colby College in 1932. She met her late husband, Houlton native, Woodrow Peabody while teaching at Lawrence High School. He was a Colby College football coach at the time. Following their marriage in 1937 they lived in Orono where her husband was teaching. 
Ruth Brown Peabody
Later they moved to Houlton to join the school department here. Woodie eventually joined his father’s business, the James S. Peabody Co. first selling John Deere farming equipment and later acquiring the International franchise.
Ruth Peabody focused her attention on being a homemaker, raising three sons, James, David and Ronald. She went back to teaching in the ‘60s, first at Lambert School and then at Houlton Jr. High School. Her sons were nearly through high school at the time. She taught for 12 years retiring in 1973.
She and her husband enjoyed their time together until 1983 when he passed away. Since then she has filled her time with family events and good friends. Her most favorite pastime is playing bridge. Her eyes sparkle when she knows that there is a game planned with her card buddies, Mabel Haskell, Betty Childers, Sis Ritchie, Janice Palmer and Julia Craigs.
The following is a special poem penned by Ritchie for her birthday celebration, entitled, “Ruth Brown Peabody.”
How beauty and personality do deceive.
Ruth, it would be difficult to recount all the years
So many memories, so many good times, so many tears.
As history goes, the Peabody boys were considered
“the catch of the town”
But the girls’ hopes diminished when at Colby,
Woodie met Miss Brown.
Time passed and before long Ruth and Woodie were wed
“Best looking couple in Houlton” was so often said.
Ruth, you are amazing; you are one of a kind,
a dearer friend no one could ever find.
A devoted wife, a super Mom, a dedicated teacher
and much, much more.
For your family, your home has always been an open door.
You are loved and adored by your grandkids and great-grands
Always there to offer them a helping hand.
Your 80th and 90th birthdays were so much fun
and now your 100th year you have won.
The bridge games and parties, we all have shared.
More fun could never be compared.
Ruth, you have lived and set an example for all to see,
Happy 100th birthday we sing with glee.
Thanks for being our friend.
