Portland Press Herald du lieu suivant : Portland, Maine • 25

Portland Press Herald, Thursday, July 20, 20067 9B NEW ENGLAND OBITUARIES 'Every day gets harder' for parents of missing teen Investigators have ruled out the possibility that the girl is a runaway. The Associated Press WARREN, Mass. They live in a snug ranch house in a charming, woodsy country town. For John and Magi Bish, though, both their home and town now carry a vast hollow at their core. In this house, where their youngest daughter was born 16 years ago, they wait each day for news of her.

In this town, where they moved 20 years ago to raise their children in safety, each day has become a whipsaw of hope and dread. More than three weeks ago, on June 27, Molly Bish vanished from a town beach where she worked as a lifeguard. She left behind her sandals, lunch, water bottle, twoway radio for emergencies, and the ache of her memory. Investigators scoured the bottom of Comins Pond for her body and checked into whether she had run away. But they soon concluded she had likely been abducted.

"This is evil. The only thing I can compare it to is the Nazis who took children from people's arms," Mrs. Bish said. "Every day gets harder." Still, hope abounds. A pole out front holds a sign saying: "Our hearts are heavy.

Molly, please come home." A trail of yellow ribbons leads to the front door. Inside, a hodgepodge of family snapshots, teddy bears and other gifts from sympathizers, and their daughter's stuffed Winnie-thePooh Tigger all form a makeshift memorial Ruth Inman, 91, talented artist; from 'genteel era' Ruth Henrietta Wight Inman, 91, a gentle woman loved painting and drawing, died July 17, 2000, at Hospital. She was a resident of Milton, and Elizabeth, and a lifelong summer resident of Long "She was one of those ladies from the genteel era," her niece, Ruth Clement, who recalled how well her spoke of everyone even political parties. "She dished one side or the other," she said. Born in Dorchester, a daughter of William PASSAGES Each day the newspaper selects one obituary and seeks to learn more about the life of a person who has lived and worked in Maine.

We look for a person who has made a mark on the community or the person's family and circle of friends in lasting ways. tirement. A compassionate primary caregiver for her parents After her parents died, she the Federal Milk Market love and in 1969, with both in ried. Together they spent their ton, Mr. Inman's camp in man's home on Long Island.

married for 11 years. She lived in Milton, to Cape Elizabeth to be with Mrs. Inman spent every the Ezekiel Cushing House, on Mrs. Inman was an artist watercolors, oils, charcoal, and almost everything you can think Ruth Clement. A talented sented her work to friends and She exhibited her drawings Women's Club.

She also hosted lawn of her Long Island home BRAIS--In Portland, July 17, Sandra L. Villa Rd. Westbrook. Funeral 11 AM Saturday at the Redeemer eran Church, 126 Spurwink beth. Friends and relatives are invited Friday from 6-8PM at the Hobbs Home, 230 Cottage So.

Portland. ment at Forest City Cemetery. ELKINS--In Portland, July 17, William 170 Pierce St. Westbrook. In lieu of flowers donations in his be made to The Church of Jesus Christ ter Day Saints, River Rd.

Windham, ME INMAN--In Portland, July 16, Ruth H. Island, Me. Memorial service Saturday at 11:30 Evergreen Methodist Church. Long Donations to the Maine Parkinson's Society, 9 Main Bowdoinham, Me. PAGE--In Lincoln, July 18, Owen W.

Lincoln. Donation to Lincoln United Methodist Clay Funeral Home, 3 Lee Street, ME 04457. IN MEMORIAM Iri Loving Memory Of DENNIS C. FERRANTE, Who Passed Away July 20, 1999 There is a wind charm in the tree making noise from you to me. Ever time its makes a sound I know you're around.

Missing me as I do you watching over me like you use to. Even though a year has passed and the world has moved on, my life will never be the same since you've gone. Sadly missed by, Your niece Lisa in the living room. The Bish family has lived in this cozy home sheltered by trees for 20 years. The couple moved here from Detroit.

When an 18- year-old girl was abducted, raped and murdered on her way home from work, they decided it was time to leave the city. They returned to this Molly Bish town, where near his mother ing crime rate. "We really safer place to reason for But now, her with the gnawing should have daughter in this way between Maybe they staffers at the have made sure spond more beach. As it was, 10 a.m. when her summer radio that day Slowed by ply wandered searchers only ance as a about three then, she would who Mercy Cape Island.

and said aunt never day and attendfami- high high art she Wom- central Massachusetts John Bish had grown up, to be and to escape Detroit's soar- believed it was going to be: a raise children. That was our coming," said Mrs. Bish. husband said, they struggle feeling that perhaps they done more to protect their town of 4,550 residents, midSpringfield and Worcester. should have insisted on two town beach.

Maybe they could the town was ready to requickly to an emergency at the her daughter was alone around she disappeared eight days into job. She didn't use the two-way to report any kind of problem. the suspicion that she had simaway, maybe with a friend, began treating her disappearpossible drowning or abduction hours later, the family said. By have been dead in the water 1999. Along with painting and drawing, spending time with her nieces were young, often invited her at her Long Island home.

She was a charter member of Society, a member of a Long member of an island art group marshal of the Long Island Fourth She was predeceased by a nephew, Surviving are three nieces, Francisco and Long Island, Marilyn abeth and Long Island and Ruth Long Island; and two nephews, Hickok, both of Cape Elizabeth and A memorial service will take in Evergreen Methodist Church, cheon reception will follow at Mrs. home. Burial will be at a later rangements are by Hobbs Portland. her mother had worried about a man in a white car smoking a cigarette and sitting in the beach parking area for no apparent reason. She dropped off her daughter but stayed until the white car left.

Investigators have now publicized a composite drawing of that heavyset man with a mustache, viewing him as one possible suspect. They have said they have one or two others, but no arrests have been made. A group of local people is offering $20,000 for information that helps to solve the case. Investigators set up a hot line at 800-808-9677. Meanwhile, this Roman Catholic family, which includes an older brother and sister, takes comfort in prayer and the emotional support of friends.

The father, a court probation officer and psychiatric emergency clinician in a local hospital, is taking vacation time from work. "I hope to go back with a renewed commitment perhaps different, stronger, deeper," he said of his work helping troubled people. The Associated Press His wife, who sits on the Quaboag Regional Twenty years a ago, Magi and John Bish traded crime-ridden Detroit for a quiet town in School Committee, is on summer break teaches from Massachusetts. But now they fear the worst. Three weeks ago their 16-year-old an elementary school, where she as a lifeguard.

special education. She plans to return in the daughter vanished from a town beach where she worked fall. or possibly taken many miles away by an goofy and shy, is a star soccer player who "I'm amazed at how well they're doing abductor. just finished her junior year in high school. their courage, their strength," said Linda Neither Town Police Chief Ron Syriac nor She had always been responsible about work Cunningham, a friend who spends time at District Attorney John Conte immediately re- and never had run away.

She had left her their home each day. "As their friends, we turned phone calls Wednesday to talk about purse, driver's license and uncashed checks know how we would feel I guess we the early hours of the case. at home on the day she disappeared. couldn't know." In the days that followed, though, investi- "In retrospect, I guess we wish it was "We're very sad, but we're wrapped in gators largely ruled out the possibility she that," said her father of the runaway theory. love," said Mrs.

Bish. "We're being taken was a runaway. "She'd come back, and we'd have her back." care of but we don't know about Molly." The blonde, blue teen-ager, by turns The day before her daughter disappeared, And the tears well up again. OBITUARIES and they with cal Mrs. Inman enjoyed nephews and, when to have breakfast Long Island HistoriIsland bridge club, a in 1998 was grand July parade.

William Barnes. Prochazka of San Connor of Cape ElizClement of Brunswick Robert and William Long Island. at 11:30 a.m. SaturLong Island. A lunInman's Long Island in Milton, Mass.

ArFuneral Home, South Lindsay Tice The Rev. Carolyn Woodward, 75 GRAY- The Rev. Carolyn Calor Woodward, 75, died at home July 18, 2000. where She was born president Madeline Calor, Carolyn Woodward ter 20 years. Upon retirement, in Jonesport, a daughter of Alan and graduated from Jonesport High School and received a B.A.

degree from the University of Maine and a master of divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary. She was ordained and served as associate minister at the Second Congregational Church in Brewer and as interim minister for the First Congregational Church in Brewer and Veazie Congregational Church. She taught English at Brewer High School and retired in 1994 af- both she and her husband were hon- Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral ored as pastors emeritus by the congregation of Second Congregational Church. A daughter, Carol W. Furber, died in March 1994.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years, the Rev. Arthur C. Woodward Sr. of Gray, a son, Arthur C. Jr.

of San Jose, a sister, Clarice C. Howe of Danvers, a brother, Alan Calor Jr. of Ellsworth; two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today at the First Congregational Church in North Yarmouth.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Greenlawn Cem- show on the front etery, Jonesport. residents in 1998 Home. Wight, she schools. Her to Milton, she started Following she completed business school early 1920s, the Junior in Milton, as 1930s, she with the working for years with Milk Market until her she became this time.

Inman at her The two the couple their home in and Mrs. Mrs. Inman when she Evelyn her family's Island. working in mediums. "She sculpting," Inman often members as at the SPIRAKIS--In Portland, on July 18.

Mabel B. Spirakis, age 99, of Baxter Blvd, formerly of Vera Street in Portland. Wife of the late Thomas P. Spirakis. There will be no visiting hours.

A graveside service will be held at 11AM Friday at Forest City Cemetery, Lincoln Street, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Missions at First Baptist Church, 360 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103. Arrangements are by Hay Peabody Funeral Home, Portland. (H-20) STAPPAS--In Portland, July 19th, Estelle D. Stappas, of Bartlett Circle, Yarmouth.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 22, at 1:00 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland. The Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth is handling the arrangements. (H-20) THURSTON--In Portland, July 17, Rickie A (Chicken Hawk) Thurston Jr. of South Portland. Funeral 10AM Friday at Hobbs Funeral Home 200 Cottage Rd.

South portland. Visiting hours. 2 4, 7 9PM Thursday at the funeral relatives and friends are welcome. If desired contributions may be made in his memory to the support of Thyroid and Blood Disease Research at the Maine Medical Center Development Office 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04102.

(H-20) IN MEMORIAM in Loving Memory Of DENNIS C. FERRANTE, SR. Who Passed Away July 20, 1999 It's been a year since you've been gone. It will never seem fair, no matter how long. You are always with us in each passing day.

In hearts, souls and minds, expecially when we pray. God knew what he was doing when he took you from us. Perhaps a special task He felt was a must: I will remember this day as long as I'm here. Your memory is one I will truly hold dear. Sadly missed and loved by, Your Niece and God-Daughter Bonnie Jean and the rest of the Fusco Family Martha Randall Shepard, 86 Phyllis Elaine ROCHESTER, N.Y.

Martha Randall Shepard, 86, formerly of Fairport and Pittsford, died July 17, 2000. She was born in Westbrook, Maine, and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ed (Bobbi) Lipka of Churchville; a twin sister, Mary Harscher of three brothers, Elmer of Pennsylvania and Linwood and Lewellyn Randall, both of Maine; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m.

Saturday at the Interfaith Chapel at Park Ridge, 1155 Long Pond Road. Margaret Coombs, 84 BIDDEFORD Margaret Coombs, 84, of Bradley Street died July 18, 2000, at Southridge Living Center. She was born in Amsterdam, N.Y., a daughter of Alexander and Helena Mikolacy Romanowski, and attended Amsterdam schools. In 1947, she settled in Biddeford, where she was a weaver at Pepperell Manufacturing Co. for 26 years, and retired in 1978.

She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, embroidery and hunting. There are no known survivors. A visiting hour will be held at 10 a.m. today at Dennett, Craig Pate Funeral Home, 365 1 Main Saco, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev.

Jean Koelker officiating. Owen W. Page, 84 LINCOLN Owen W. Page, 84, Archer Page, died July 18, 2000, at a He was born in Olamon, a son of and Annie Harriman Page, and attended Boston. Mr.

Page worked as a machinist at per for 44 years. He had also been a co-owner of Lane ett Machine Shop in Brewer. He was a 60-year member and Past International Order of Odd Fellows ber of the Masonic Lodge, both in Surviving are his wife of Lincoln; a of Lincoln; two daughters, Mrs. Allen Falmouth and Mrs. Walter (Nancy) Holden; two sisters, Mary Grindell of Kenneth (Ella) Cobb of Arizona; 11 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held from 2 Friday at Clay Funeral Home, where will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday with the officiating. Burial will take place in NOTICES IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of TODD E. DULAC It's now been nine years and it isn't getting any easier. We cherish our memories every moment.

Life will never be the same in fact it has fallen, apart. Recently you've been joined by Uncle David, please show him the way. We love and miss you dearly. Sadly missed, all our love, Mum, Dad, Tisha, Doug, and Niece Savannah IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of My Son DENNIS C. FERRANTE, SR.

Who Passed Away July 20, 1999 I miss you very much. Love, Mother "Mumsy" Gallant, 73 YARMOUTH Phyllis Elaine Gallant, 73, of West Main Street died July 18, 2000, a at a Yarmouth health care facility. Born in Limestone, a daughter of Myron and Fannie Pratt, she attended Orono schools, where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. After high school she worked in the accounting department at Sears in Bangor. On June 7, 1948, she married Harold Gallant.

Mrs. Gallant moved here in 1959, and was secretary at the First Parish Congregational Church for many years. She also was the bookkeeper at Yarmouth Pharmacy and most recently worked for Heritage Lanterns. She was past president of the Jaycee Wives and current member of the Yarmouth Health Council, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Congregational Church. Mrs.

Gallant's interests were reading, music, knitting, sewing, animals and traveling. Surviving are her husband of Yarmouth; three daughters, Kathleen Norris of Augusta and Laurie Mowatt and Gale Clifford, both of Yarmouth; and five grandchildren and a great-grandson. There will be no visitation. Private services will be held later. Arrangements are by Lindquist Funeral Home.

Hattie ed local ly moved when school. school, and Boston. In the joined en's Club she served for a year. In the a career ment, than 30 Federal ministration woman, during met Ray Administration. their 60s, time at Groton, Mr.

and until 1997, her sister, summer at Long who loved other of except artist, Mrs. family and paintings an art for island Brais of LuthCape Elizato call on Funeral Inter- (H-22) Elkins, of memory may of Lat04062. (H-20) of Long a.m. at Island. Disease 04008.

(H-22) Page of Church, Lincoln, (H-20) Stuart Emerson Thoits, 87 began governmore the Adre- the job at fell in mar- MilIn- were moved Hickok. home, pastels, did said pregifts. Milton husband of Evelyn local nursing home. William Sibley Page diesel school in Lincoln Pulp Pa- Supply and Hack- Noble Grand of the and a 55-year mem- son, Owen L. Page (Anita) Phillips of Laqualia of East Lincoln and Mrs.

grandchildren and to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. a funeral service Rev. Clark Osborn Lincoln Cemetery. IN In Loving ALPHONSE On His Birthday, Lovingly The CARMICHAEL, Calif. Stuart Emerson Thoits, 87, died July 8, 2000, at Fountainview Healthcare Center.

He was born in Portland, Maine, a son of Charles F. Thoits Sr. and Ellen Cushman Snow Thoits, and attended Portland schools. In 1935 he graduated from Bowdoin College. He worked at Portland Pipe Line Corp.

for several years, and later worked at the Trans-Arabian Pipeline Co. in New York City and Beirut, Lebanon. At the time of his retirement, he was assistant comptroller. Mr. Thoits enjoyed reading and playing bridge, and taught bridge classes.

He was a life master and lifetime member in the American Contract Bridge League. Surviving are his wife, Lillian of Carmichael; one daughter, Anne T. Squires of Newton, one brother, Robert Albion Thoits of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Raymond, Maine; and one granddaughter, Andrea W. Squires of Waltham, Mass. Burial will be private.

Stanley W. Cole, service KENNEBUNK A graveside service for Stanley W. Cole, 86, who died July 17, 2000, will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are by Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St.

DEATH WOODWARD--In Gray, Carolyn Calor Woodward, 75, died July 18, 2000. Memorial donations may be made to: Building Fund, 1st Congregational Church, 3 Gray Road, North Yarmouth, ME 04097 or Community Health Services, 901 Washington Avenue, Suite 104, Portland, ME 04103-2797 (H-20) IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of our Mother MARILYN P. RYAN Who Passed Away July 20, 1999. Always in our hearts, Carol, Paul, Cheryl and family. IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of LINCOLN "LING" GUIMOND On His Birthday, July 20 And our 37th Wedding Anniversary Your love, kindness and sense of humor.

will always be with us. We miss you very much. Your wife, Pat Children, Sons-In-Law and Grandchildren IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of GEORGE H. MINER, JR. On His Birthday July 20 What would I give to clasp the hand His happy face to see To hear his voice and see his smile That meant so much to me.

Love, Wife Corinne Children and Grandchildren MEMORIAM Memory Of NIZZA July 20th. Remembered By, Family IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory Of GEORGE H. MINER JR. Born July 20, 1929: Died January 25, 1997 Daddy 71st, Although will be you're not here to celebrate your you all our thoughts today! Love, Cheryl, David, Jaime, Eric and Jenessa IN MEMORIAM in Loving Memory Of. DENNIS C.

FERRANTE, SR. Who Passed Away July 20, 1999 There is a bridge of memories, From Earth to heaven above. It keeps you very close to us, It's called the bridge of love, We didn't see you close your eyes, Or hear your final sights, We only heard that you were gone, Too late to say goodbye. So may the winds of love blow softly, And whisper so you'll hear, We will always love and mis syou, And wish that you were here. Until we're together again, Love, Mom, Dad, Victor, Stella, Linda and Dianne Pine Grove Cemetery of Falmouth Since 1745 Cremation Lots 909907 Available Contact Superintendant at, 781-2357 9 Waites Landing, Falmouth.