Obituary of Ruby Amogene Rolerson

ISLESBORO, MAINE Ruby Amogene Williams Rolerson, 85, passed away on October 10, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. An Island native, she was born on September 24, 1932. Amogene was a devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and beloved school teacher to hundreds of Island kids. Amogene is survived by children Leslie Lamont “Ace” Rolerson, III, and his wife Diane; Jessica Rolerson Oldham and her husband, John; grandchildren Natalie Louise Oldham, of Islesboro, Maine, and Andrea Cross (Rolerson) and her husband, Caleb, of Knox, Maine; great grandsons, Ezra Charles Alan Oldham, and Preston Caleb Cross. She had a special “daughter by love”, Karen F. Grindle as well as sister-in-law Mary Ella Grinnell. It gave Aunt “Mack” a great comfort to know that her very dear niece, Rachel Rolerson Smith and her husband Ken, loved and cared for the family’s beloved cat, Spike. Spike delighted his mother by paying a visit to her at Boardman Cottage in the days prior to her passing. She is also survived by a cousin, Marcellus Williams and his wife Flora; many nephews, nieces, and special friends (you know who you are!) Amogene was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leslie Lamont Rolerson, II (2015); parents, Nathan Murray Williams and Ruby Pendleton Williams, as well as her sister, Margaret Williams Pendleton. Many thanks to Boardman Cottage and the caring staff who made it possible for Amogene to remain with her family and friends on Islesboro. The Islesboro High School class of 1949 had ten members, including Amogene, Ruth Hartley, Marilyn Pendleton and Buddy Bethune. Their graduation ceremony was the last one held at the Ocean View. After graduation, they struck out in two cars on their “class trip” to NYC and DC. It’s been said they were dressed for Maine weather, and experienced an unexpected heat wave while in DC. Amogene attended Gorham Teachers’ College, and earned her degree from the University of Maine at Orono. Mrs. Rolerson was a treasured teacher at Islesboro Central School for 30 years, teaching third through eighth graders. The special relationship she had with “her” students lasted until her passing. Her students would often visit her in her retirement, bringing roses and other gifts as they shared memories of times gone by. Children taught by Mrs. Rolerson had the blessing of her most beautiful handwriting. They learned to have passions for wildflowers, butterflies, trees and rocks. They became lifelong readers, poets and artists. Quite a legacy! Her happiest days were those on her own BMW motorcycle or behind Lamont on any one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles. They especially loved attending the Laconia Bike Week to see the motorcycle races each June. Together, she and Lamont would go trucking on the mainland with friends in the business. After her retirement from teaching, they branched out with a camper and explored Maine and New Hampshire, always accompanied by a white American Eskimo dog! She loved music and dancing, especially when she and Lamont were selected best King and Queen of the twist. In her later years, she enjoyed working in her “studio” creating works of art, whether Tole painting, drawing or coloring. She is credited by some with starting the adult coloring craze on Islesboro. Her room at Boardman was adorned with her handiwork. A Celebration of Life honoring Amogene will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Second Baptist Church, beginning at 10:30 AM. A reception will follow at the Fellowship Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Amogene’s name to either the Second Baptist Church, PO 17, Islesboro, Maine 04848 or the Islesboro Ambulance Service, PO Box 76, Islesboro, ME 04848. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com