In Memory of Gloria Ruth (Thompson) Ruland

Gloria Ruth (Thompson) Ruland, 92, passed away peacefully with family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, service, and love. Born on Jan. 5, 1934, in Guilford, to Maurice and Elida Thompson, Gloria lived a life devoted to helping others, believing that even the smallest act of kindness could make a lasting difference.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. John Ruland II, who passed away on Oct. 2, 2012. Together, they faithfully served in ministry throughout New England and beyond. While John pastored, Gloria served faithfully by his side, teaching Sunday school, leading youth groups, vacation bible school, and women’s leadership programs, preparing meals, opening their home, and encouraging countless individuals through quiet acts of love and service. Together, they helped establish Baptist churches throughout New England, including their final church, Cornerstone Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Indiana. They also played an important role in strengthening the early ministries of the Springfield Rescue Mission in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hope Haven Gospel Mission in Auburn, helping those organizations serve people in need.

Even as a young girl, Gloria’s gift for writing was unmistakable. Before graduating from Piscataquis Community High School, she had written a series of short mystery novels, with classmates eagerly awaiting each new chapter. Throughout her life, she continued to write in journals and heartfelt letters that reflected her wisdom, faith, and love for others.

Gloria was known for her quick wit, compassion, gentle spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. She loved a good laugh, enjoyed crocheting gifts for family and friends, faithfully crocheted more than 50 blankets and pairs of mittens each year to be distributed through churches and community outreach, and never passed up the opportunity for a spirited game of gin rummy. Even at 92, she remained vibrant, joyful, and quick to offer a smile or a word of encouragement.

She is lovingly survived by her children, John Ruland III, Debra Seeley and her husband, Michael, Timothy Ruland and his wife, Lorrie, and Laurie Rosner and her husband, Gary; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and unwavering faith.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Montello Manor, where Gloria lived for the past eight years. Their loving care and friendship brought comfort, dignity, and joy to her life and will always be remembered with gratitude.

True to the way she lived, Gloria chose to continue serving others through the donation of her body to medical science to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Anatomical Donor Program through Hope Memorial Chapel in Portland, Maine, reflecting her lifelong belief in education, research, and helping future generations.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at Danville Union Church, 1065 Old Danville Road, Auburn, ME 04210, on Sunday, July 26, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family invites those wishing to honor Gloria’s memory to complete 92 Acts of Kindness. Call someone you have not spoken with in a while and tell them you love them. Visit a nursing home resident. Forgive someone. Help a neighbor. Encourage a stranger. Gloria believed every smile and act of kindness mattered, and nothing would have brought her greater joy than seeing her legacy of service carried forward, one act of kindness at a time,