Ruth Arlene (Yoas) Girrell Hamilton-Kilmer, 91, a resident of Nelson’s Golden Years, passed into eternal life on January 20, 2018.
Born March 10, 1926 in DuBois, PA, to Harvey L. and Lulu (Hartzfeld) Yoas, she was one of six children and the last remaining member of her immediate family.
Ruth graduated from DuBois High School in 1943. On September 15, 1946, she married William Worth Girrell. She is survived by their three children, Susan G. (John) Kordish, Clearfield; Kristen W. (Sarah Blumenstock) Girrell, Andover, Massachusetts; and Bruce I. Girrell, Traverse City, Michigan. She has eight living grandchildren, Erin Dixon Heath, Worth Dixon, Jeromey (Elizabeth) Kordish, Joshua Kordish, Rebecca (Sean Delmore) Girrell, Sarah Ruth (James) Paquette, Jesse Girrell, and Andrew Girrell, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She worked at WCED Radio station as a secretary after high school, then at Union Banking & Trust Co. as bookkeeper, and for Dr. Charles Rice and Dr. James V. Cherry as receptionist until her retirement.
Ruth travelled extensively, living in Germany with her family for nearly 2 years, and visiting many countries in Europe, Africa, Israel, and much of America.
She enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint, giving many of her creations as gifts to family and friends. However, her life’s vocation was music. She was professionally trained and accomplished on both piano and pipe organ. Ruth served as church organist for St Paul, Trinity and Christ Lutheran churches, as well as played for weddings and funerals throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by all three of her husbands (William 1967, Robert 1995, Donald 2012), her parents, siblings, and one grandson, Jayson Kordish.
The family will receive visitors prior to a memorial service, which will be arranged and announced at a later date. Interment will be in Morningside Cemetery, DuBois.
Arrangements are under the direction of Adamson Funeral Chapel, Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.adamsonfuneral.com.
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