Ruth Anne Baker

BATH – The world lost our dear Ruth Anne Baker, of Bath, Maine, on Sept. 16, 2026.

Ruth was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1953. She moved to Maine in 1975 and made it her home. A rare soul, Ruth made this world a better place for all who knew her. Ruth was always there for family and friends whenever she was needed.

Ruth’s professional life took many different and adventurous turns. Over the years, she worked in graphic design and real estate, started restaurants, ran her own cleaning business, and developed a real talent for horticulture. She had a natural eye for design, a remarkable green thumb, and a knack for seeing how a space — indoors or out — could be reorganized, improved, or made more beautiful.

She founded a number of eateries, designed elegant menus as a head chef and was the most welcoming, entertaining and caring expert waitron (Ruth’s title for waiters/waitresses) that a diner out could be blessed to spend wonderful time with.

For Ruth, work was never separate from the rest of her life – the people she worked alongside so often became lasting friends, and in many ways felt like family. It was one more way that her generosity and service carried through everything that she did, and her pool of grateful recipients of her special custom cheesecakes, delicious meals and love grew and grew.

Ruth was the most compassionate rescuer and adopter of animals in need, and her dogs Friendly, Blue, Jethro, Ellie May, Tzar, Tonka, Otto, Kayla, Rowdy, Birdie, along with her cats Les McLess and Lou McNally were deeply loved members of her family. Some of her favorite times were spent walking her dogs at Hermit Island, often in the company of friends.

Ruth enjoyed traveling and spending time with loved ones on her trips to Florida and California. She particularly loved camping in Maine.

Above all, Ruth was devoted to the people she loved. She was outspoken, funny, generous, and always ready to help. She could always be counted on to do everything in her power to make everyone’s lives around her better and more whole, and was forever an uplifting presence. She introduced others to recognizing and embracing their potential, and for more than a few people, she was a literal life saver.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Paige, her brother-in-law, Steve Russell, and her nephews Adam and Seth Russell.

She was predeceased by her mother, Doris Baker; her sister, Kathryn; and her bestest friend, Stephen Hay. She will forever be loved and missed.

Celebration of life details are not yet finalized; details will be shared later.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit http://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com

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