Ruth Curtis

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