WARREN — Ronald Matti Anderson, 85, died on December 11, 2023 after a brief, yet courageous fight with cancer.

Ron was born on November 9, 1938 to Taimi and Bill Anderson. He was the youngest of three sons and grew up in Cushing. Ron first attended the Pint Basin School in Cushing. He enjoyed sharing stories associated with his education and experiences there. He graduated from Thomaston High School in 1956.

That September, he married Kathleen Libby of Thomaston. They have three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Ronald and Kathleen were married for 67 years. They enjoyed travel, camping, music, and family. Their commitment and love inspired many. Serving the community was the essence of Ronald’s various occupations. He answered calls for ‘no heat’ on cold winter nights while working for, and later co-owning, Dunn & Elliot Company of Thomaston. The housing needs of many were supported through Anderson Realty and jobs accomplished while employed at Coastal Community Action Program (CCAP). Area students were transported, and often entertained, during his time as a bus driver for MSAD #40.

Ron had diverse interests such as investing, restoring old vehicles, and guitars. He would bring home cars, trucks, and tractors in complete disrepair and renew them to incredible condition. His first instrument was a plastic ukulele that he received as a childhood gift. He owned numerous guitars, banjos, mandolins, and other instruments throughout his life. He was an incredible musician, well-loved across the mid-coast and at retirement parks in Florida.

Ronald was pre-deceased by his parents and eldest brother, Reynold.

His survivors include his wife, Kathleen of Warren; son Mark and wife Nancy also of Warren; daughter Lura Maxwell and husband Pete of Greene; and daughter Lynn Snow and husband Bob of Thomaston. Six grandchildren – Travis Anderson, Kayleigh Pulsifer, Christopher Snow, Anderson Maxwell, Justin Anderson, and Bethany Snow. Four great-grandchildren – Dylan Anderson, Tegan Caldero, Mackenzie Anderson, and Ezran Pulsifer. Additional survivors include his brother Gerald and wife Evelyn of Warren, foreign-exchange daughter Outi Lahtinen of Espoo Finland, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends.

A service to honor and celebrate Ron’s life will be held Thursday, December 21, at 2 p.m., at the Thomaston Federated Church .Following the service, “iltapäiväkahvit” (afternoon coffee) will be served.

Ronald Matti was very proud of his Finnish heritage. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to the FinnAm Society of Mid-Coast Maine, PO Box 293, South Thomaston, ME 04858. The Shriners Hospital would also kindly accept gifts in his honor. Online: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/215737/#!/donation/checkout

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Thomaston. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Ronald or to share a picture or story, please visit Ronald’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com