Thomaston - Gwendolyn M. Ranquist, died August 3, 2019 at the age of 96 at the Sussman House in Rockport, surrounded by her family. Gwen was born in Rockland, Maine on January 10th of 1923. One of eleven children, she was the second child and first daughter of Charles and Myrtle Robinson. She attended schools in Rockland. In 1952, Gwen married the love of her love, Charles Ranquist. Together they raised seven children. She loved to garden and cook, preserving food and making jams and pickles were a favorite occupation. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, making clothes and quilts for her family and friends. Gwen had a lifelong passion for reading and instilled in her children and especially her Grandchildren, that education and learning were lifelong pursuits. Gwen was a member of the Thomaston Baptist Church. She served at various times and for many years as a Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and a Deaconess of the Church. She also served as the Head volunteer at the Thomaston Interfaith Churches Food Pantry. She ran the program from its beginning until she was 89 years young. She especially enjoyed putting together the Thanksgiving and Christmas food Baskets, always making sure that there was a little something extra to help make the Holidays more festive. Gwen was a Girl Scout Leader in the 1960’s and almost all of her children participated in Scouting. Gwen was very patriotic. Five of her brothers served in WWII, while she did her bit at home by working at the Bath Ironworks Shipyard and in Civil Defense. Her husband, Charles served in the Army during the Korean War, and their oldest son Donald served in Vietnam during that war. For this reason and for a great appreciation for the service of all the Men and Women who serve our Country, Gwen never forgot our Veterans. For decades she sewed and shopped. Making lap quilts, and “ditty bags” for Togus VA Medical Center. Gwen also made hundreds of baby quilts for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. For the hours and service Gwen gave to her volunteer work she received letters of recognition from two Presidents and from the Governor of the State of Maine. Gwen was a member of the Weymouth and Penobscot View Granges. She was also a member of Pomona State Grange. For many years she had served as the Master of the Weymouth Grange. In her free time, Gwen collected, mittens, and winter hats for the Children attending schools in Cushing, Thomaston and St. George. She has also clipped and collected box tops & soup labels for the schools and did so until her last month. She worked with the Grange to donate dictionaries to each student in Grade 5 in those schools. Gwen was the backbone of her family and her community. people like Gwen are a large part of what makes living in a small town so special. Gwen was predeceased by her husband Charles Ranquist; her son Donald Sturks; both parents, Charles and Myrtle Robinson; her sister Celia Baron; her brothers, Everett Robinson, Condon Robinson, Wilbert Robinson, Joseph Robinson, George Robinson, Charles Robinson Jr, Malcolm Robinson, and Ralph Robinson. Gwen is survived by her brother Edgar Robinson and wife Cynthia of Rockland; her deceased son Donald’s wife, Norene of Thomaston, and their children James, Randy, Kelly and Tracey and their spouses, children and grandchildren and her daughter, Beverly Robinson and husband William of Thomaston, and their sons Richard, William and Scott and their wives and children and grandchildren; her daughter Diane Bartlett of Thomaston and her children Marie, Dane, and Diane , (Dee) and their spouses grandchildren; her daughter Donna Ranquist of Thomaston and her children Rebecca and Roberta their spouses and children and grandchildren; her daughter Sharon Cockrell and husband JW of Florida; her daughter Rosalee Berglund of Tenants Harbor and her husband John and their children Katie and Quincy and their spouse and grandchild; and her son Charles Ranquist Jr of Florida and wife Denise and his children, Micah, Ezra and Jacob and their wives and grandchildren; And She is also survived by many nephews , nieces and great nephews and great nieces and cousins and sisters – in- law, as well as few friends still standing. A service was held on Friday, August 9th, 2019 at the Thomaston Baptist Church With a private family Interment directly after the service at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to the Sussman House c/o Pen Bay Waldo Health Foundation, 22 White Street, Rockport, Maine ,or the Thomaston Interfaith Food Pantry. 124 Main St. Thomaston, ME. 04861. Hall’s of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.