Ruth Elizabeth Gillespie

Ruth Elizabeth Gillespie age 90 of Grove City, OH and formerly of Steubenville OH died Saturday, August 4, 2018 with her family at her side. Ruth was born April 17, 1928 in Steubenville to the late Francis X. “Frank” and Anna M. (née Rodgers) Duffy. She attended Holy Name School and graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School, Class of ‘46 where she played on the Girls Basketball Team and was named team MVP her senior year. She was a longtime parishioner of St Peter’s Church, a member of their Catholic Women’s Club and a member of her monthly card club with her girlfriends for more than 6 decades. Ruth was the consummate Irish wife and mother who took tremendous pride in her home, consolation in her faith, and great joy in her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker who loved to entertain family and friends, especially during the holidays. Simply said, she was Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart. She liked her CBS soap operas and a good whiskey sour on New Year’s Eve. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years James P. whom she married July 17, 1954 at Immaculate Heart Chapel at the Diocesan Chancery; brother Martin J Duffy: sisters Mary Catherine Kaufmann, Anna Richey, Clarita Larkins: brothers-in-law Vincent J and J. Daniel Gillespie. She is survived by her children Maureen G. (Rick) Lovell of Lewis Center, OH and James P. (Therese) Gillespie of Grove City, OH: grandchildren Lt. Brendan James Gillespie, USAF of Ft. Collins, CO, Ryan Patrick and Claire Elizabeth Gillespie, both of Grove City, OH: sister F. Patricia “Patsy” Cifrancis of Steubenville; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she dearly loved; and grade school and life-long best friend Mary “Nucci” Layman. Family will receive friends 5-8 PM Tuesday at the SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL 3920 Broadway. Family will receive friends 4-7 PM Wednesday at the SHORAC FUNERAL HOME (McCLAVE CHAPEL) 611 N. Fourth St,
Steubenville. Rosary Service 4 PM Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM Thursday, August 9th at St Peter’s Catholic Church 425 N. Fourth St Steubenville, OH 43952. Rev. Fr. Bradley Greer celebrant. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to St Peter’s Catholic Church 425 N. Fourth St Steubenville, OH 43952 or The Salvation Army 332 N. Fourth St Steubenville, OH 43952 as Ruth never passed a red kettle

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