Ruth Mildred Dow Lawless, 94, of Belfast, Maine, passed away on Wednesday, April 13 at Winship Green Nursing Center in Bath. Ruth was born on the family farm in Prospect, Maine, on December 23, 1916, the daughter of Lester and Hannah Clark Dow. When Ruth was in the 5th grade her family moved to Belfast, where they ran a store. Upon completing high school Ruth went to work for the Belfast telephone company. She loved to tell the story of how she was working alone at the switchboard the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked - one of the busiest days ever for the phone company. She met a handsome young skater, Richard "Jake" Lawless, who told her that he did not like to dance, but that he liked to hold her while she did. They were married in 1942 and spent 60 years together, in Massachusetts during the second world war, and then returning to Belfast.   Ruth loved Belfast, the place, the people, the Bay. Ruth loved to sing, and sang in the choir at the Baptist Church and later at the First Church (Congregational). She loved people and donated many hours to charitable causes. She participated in the Lionettes, Garden Club, Eight O'Clock Club, and the Crosby High School Reunion Committee. She and her family spent many happy hours at Swan Lake at the cottage of her beloved cousin Martha Marden and her family. She is predeceased by her brother Earl Dow and his wife Elsie, of Stockton Springs, and her husband Richard Lawless. She is survived by her son Gary and his wife Beth Leonard, of Nobleboro, Maine, and several nieces and nephews, including Ann Davis Hall and Diane Davis, both of Belfast. Ruth loved to dance. We wish that you dance one more dance, with her in your heart, live with kindness, and love the world, as she did. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Winship Green Nursing Facility in Bath. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's name could be sent to Waldo County General Hospital, Northport Avenue, Belfast, Maine 04915. Arrangements are by Stetson's Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick, ME where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com