Lincoln - Mary Ruth Chelton, 95, died on March 2nd, 2021 at home in Lincoln Maine.
She was born November 12, 1925 in Mendenhall, Mississippi to Phillip James Murphy and
Lillian Wilson Murphy. Prior to 2017 she lived 38 years in Texas, primarily Houston.
After graduating from Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi she went on to receive a
Bachelor of Science from Millsaps College in 1947.
In 1950 Mary Ruth and Herbert MacLean were married In Jacksonville, Florida.
They remained married for thirty three years until his death in 1985.
Dedicated to service in the Presbyterian church she was active in AIDS hospice and feeding the
hungry. Along with her love of nature, gardening, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
she was known for her love of the Arts and good food. Her love of life and ironic sense of humor
will be missed.
Mary Ruth is preceded in death by her siblings; Phillip James Murphy II, Marjorie Ann Caldwell,
and her husband Herbert MacLean Chelton.
She is survived by her four children; Janice Stollenwerck and Willie Stollenwerck of Houston,
Texas, Herbert Chelton Jr and wife Carol of Houston, Texas, Jeannette Ruhl and husband
Steve of Lincoln, Maine and, Holly Dunaway and husband Mike of Tallahassee, Florida.
Nieces and nephews; James Caldwell of Houston Texas, Dorothy Caldwell of Oswego, New
York, John Caldwell and wife Ingrid of Austin, Texas, Phillip James Murphy III, New York City,
NY, Elizabeth Sedrak and husband Ibrahim, Sunnyside, New York.
Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for June on the Gulf Coast she loved.