Ruth Shipsky

NEW MIDDLETOWN - Prayers will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church, for Ruth Jane Shipsky, 88, who passed away April 29, 2015.

Ruth was born on Aug. 17, 1926, the daughter of a Norwegian immigrant father, James C. Knudtson, and a German-American mother, Luella Schmidt. She was born and raised in Peru, Ill.

During World War II, she met her late husband, John Charles Shipsky, while he was in training at the Great Lakes Naval Base. When he returned from the war, she traveled by train to San Diego, where they were married at the Immaculate Conception Church on Aug. 18, 1945. Upon his discharge from the service, they relocated to Struthers to be close to John's family. They started their family in Struthers and several years later, they moved to Poland.

Ruth lived in Poland for most of her life, in the home built by her husband on Evergreen Drive. There, they raised their seven children. Ruth was a member of the Holy Family Parish in Poland, which was built on property that was sold to the Diocese by her late husband. Ruth and John were married until his death in 1976.

She was an active member of the community. She loved socializing and was a member of many clubs. She took tremendous pride in her family and in her home. She loved to decorate and bake and in her later years, she would refer to her time on Evergreen Drive as the happiest days of her life.

Ruth had a marvelous sense of humor and a genuine love for music, dancing and old classic movies. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her family, including her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Her faith and her family provided a constant sense of joy throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, John (Gwen) Shipsky of Poland, Paul Shipsky of Poland, Marilyn Shipsky Jones of Jacksonville, Fla., William Shipsky of Struthers, Robert Shipsky of Poland, Susan Shipsky (Bob Page) of Atlanta, and James (Kylie) Shipsky of Jacksonville, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may pay their respects Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Windsor House, Masternick Memorial Health Care Center and Hospice of the Valley for the excellent care they provided to their mother during her time with them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are sent to The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.