Dearest Ruthie, wife and cherished best friend of Philip, mother of Susan, Sharon and Sandra, grandmother of Sarah, Gibson, Seth, Lauren, Stacie and Susanna, great grandmother of Micah and Asher, mothering-in-law of Bayard and Paul, aunt of Karen and close friends with Episcopal church members, PEO and Flight attendant sisters. All will miss and cherish her earthly life which ended March 1, 2021.

A Pennsylvania Dutch native, Ruth was born on Halloween, October 31, 1930 in Reading, PA to Paul and Helen Clauser. Gifted with exceptional eye-hand coordination, she excelled in all ball games: baseball, basketball, field hockey, table tennis and competitive USTA tennis, into her eighties. A skilled office worker and stenographer as well as a flight attendant, in 1952 she met and married Phillip right after his Yale graduation.

She joined her husband at his ordination in 1963 in her own ministries of loving hospitality: Marriage Encounter, Cursillo renewal, Faith Alive, Altar Guild, Daughters of the King, Vestry clerk and children's ministry. Ruth enthusiastically immersed herself into church life. She was also a co-chaplain to the retired clergy with Philip, assisting as acolyte in his chaplaincy on cruise liners. She was a devoted wife and mother who tutored and nourished her daughters lovingly and totally. A joyful lady with a flair for fashion and gourmet cooking, she and Philip loved dancing and music. Wherever she lived was a haven of love and peace.

Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. Online condolences can be left at gormanscharpf.com