Ruth J. Whaley

On December 7, 2016, Ruth Juanita Whaley transitioned from the physical to the spiritual surrounded by beloved  nieces and nephews. She now exists in a new time, a new place, and a new reality. She is Home walking with the Master and welcomed by her parents and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by a niece, Cherrisse Whaley of Plum; nephews Richard Lamar (Connie) Lovelace of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Jonathan Markeith (Robin) Whaley and Charon Leland Whaley (companion, Melissa Vrotney) of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, all who considered her a second mother.

She was born on June 18, 1929 to Marcus and Bertha (Wright) Whaley in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of the Vandergrift High School Class of 1947. She lived in Vandergrift until 1961 at which time she moved to Arnold, Pennsylvania. She was employed at the Ritz Shop in New Kensington for 15 years. In 1991, she moved to Plum, Pennsylvania and was employed at Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, PA for 17 years.  She retired in 2003.

“Aunt Ruth,” as she was affectionately called by those who knew her, had a passion and a zest for life. She lived her life to the fullest. Her adventurous, positive, and inquisitive nature allowed her to take life by the horns.  Bingo was her favorite pastime . She was an avid sports enthusiast. She loved the Steelers and the Pirates  (attended multiple Super Bowls, Championships, and World Series), golf, basketball, and tennis. She also attended the World’s Fair, Miss America Pageants, and won a number of beauty pageants herself. She was an accomplished crafter and made afghans, wreaths, baby blankets and all types of memorable items for family members and those who crossed her path. She was dedicated to and supportive of her family and friends.

She was a past member of the  Daughter of the Elks, Vandergrift, PA and several social clubs.

A revered member of the Honored Scroll, she earned the title “Passenger 57” as a result of her extensive travel to attend sporting events, class reunions, family reunions, graduations, weddings, baby showers, any and all activities of her nieces and nephews, and vacations. She travelled in cars, boats, busses, trains, and planes, and now Aunt Ruth is travelling on wings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Bertha Whaley; brothers Clarence Lamar Whaley, James R. Whaley, and John R. Whaley;  sisters Andrea Kendrick Whaley, Kathryn M.  Lovelace, Mary A. Greene, and Carolyn Whaley; brothers-in-law John W. Lovelace and John S. Greene; and  sister-in-law Janie Whaley.

She leaves behind loved ones who will celebrate her life for years to come: sister-in-law, Mrs. John R. (Henrietta) Whaley of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania; first cousins, Lois (Whaley) Askew, of Glen Falls, NY, and Betty Jane (Roebuck) Harris of Ewing Township, New Jersey;  36 nieces and nephews, 31 great nieces and nephews, 15 great-great nieces and nephews, cousins,  and all of those who had the honor of knowing this extraordinary  woman and the privilege  of calling her “Aunt Ruth.”

Friends will be received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9:00 P.M. in the Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home Inc., 1509 5^th. Avenue, Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner/Supervisor.

Funeral Services will take place Monday in the Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Jackie Lyde  officiating.

Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.

To leave an online condolence visit www.giunta-bertucci.com

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