Ruth Curtis, 91, of Madison Township, passed away Tuesday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center after being stricken ill. Her devoted and loving husband of 70 years, Charles Curtis, survives her. The couple met at Crown Weaving Company, where they both worked, and married on September 18, 1954 in Saint Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Scranton.
Ruth was born in Scranton to Frank and Bertha George Klassner and was a graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School. She had been a member of Saint Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she actively participated in many church functions and the choir. She later became a member of Elm Park United Methodist Church where she also enjoyed volunteering her time.
A loving wife and mother, Ruth was devoted to her family. Raised by hard-working parents and an extended family of strong women, she learned the life lessons and skills necessary to raise and nurture her own family. An excellent baker and cook, Ruth was the keeper of the Klassner and Curtis family recipes. She ventured into the workforce twice, first as a sales clerk for JCPenney and later as a bakery assistant at Weis Markets in Hamlin, a job she enjoyed very much.
Ruth possessed a deep appreciation of nature and wildlife and was an avid bird watcher, able to identify most, if not all, of the visitors to her backyard feeders. On any given day, one would find her reading or working the word search puzzles she enjoyed, with a feline companion by her side. She loved most animals, but cats were her favorite, and there were many rescues over the years who were fortunate enough to become part of the family.
Also surviving are her children, Carol Curtis McMullen and Jeffrey Curtis; a sister Beverly Beckwith; many beloved nieces and nephews; and their cat, Witten.
Ruth was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Francis Carroll McMullen; brothers Edwin, Frank, and Daniel Klassner; and sister Bertha Ellen Alexander.
The family would like to thank the staff of Allied Services Skilled Nursing for the compassionate care Ruth received during her time there.
Private services were held in the Vanston and James funeral home, Scranton PA. Interment in the family plot, Madisonville Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to be made to Elm Park United Methodist Church, Scranton, or Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Clarks Summit.
To share a fond memory or to express your sincere condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Betsy and Mike Sporer
Dear Charlie, Carol and Jeff,
We’re so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and I have many warm memories of her throughout the years at church gatherings.
Sincerely,
Renee DePietro
Carol, Charlie, and Jeff, Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. May Ruthie rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to everyone 💕. Barbara Bell and Family
Frank Koczwara
Dear Charlie, Carol & Jeff:
Jill and I would like to express our deepest condolences on your Mother’s passing. I remember Ruth as a faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and the many committees she served on when St Peter’s was a vibrant and active church under the leadership of Pastor Ken Trexler. We had many great times together with different social events whether it was the Golden Age Celebration, Easter Breakfast, Pot Luck dinners, skits put on under the direction of Pastor Trexler (do not miss rehearsal- need I say more) and many other good times. Congregational meetings were always interesting and constructive. All of us working together we accomplished a lot at St Peter’s Lutheran Church. It was indeed a great experience.
May all of you find peace , love and comfort among family and friends during these sad and trying times. May God’s grace shine upon you and help you with your grief. May your Mother rest in peace in God’s hands and cherish her memory.
Jill & Frank Koczwara
Greenwood, SC
Carol McMullen
Frank & Jill: I am just reading your comments on Mom’s obit. Thank you so much. She was a great mom and human. Those were such good times at St. Peter’s with all our faith family – people who influenced who we are today. We still cherish those memories. I hope you are doing well and I hope to see you again soon if you’re headed north for the summer.