Obituaries

Ruth E. Gilpin, R.N., age 77, a longtime West Scranton resident, passed away Wednesday evening at home after an illness.
Born on September 18, 1945 and daughter of the late Raymond and Elsie (Shaffer) Gilpin, Ruth began her dedicated career in health care after graduating from the former Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1966. She earned her Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing from Misericordia University before first earning a Masters Degrees of Science in Counselor Education from the University of Scranton and then in Adult Medical Surgical Nursing from Misericordia.
Ruth’s nursing career spanned 47 years while she touched the lives of countless patients and students along the way with her knowledge and caring, patient, compassionate and charismatic nature. Aside from home health nursing, surgical nursing and maternal child nursing, Ruth was also a longtime and well-respected educator, teaching on a graduate level for four decades with tenures at both Marywood and Penn State Universities prior to her well-deserved retirement.
An avid gardener, Ruth meticulously manicured her yard and enjoyed planting all kinds of flowers. She was an amazing cook who undoubtedly loved cooking more for others than for herself. Above all else, she was a loyal and caring friend who would do absolutely anything for anyone in need. Her legacy of kindness, selflessness and unconditional love will long live on.
To have been her student was to be given the ultimate education journey. To have been her patient was to be in competent and caring hands. To have been her colleague was his/her good fortune. To have been her friend was a blessing. To have known her was to absolutely love her.
She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Rosanne Gilpin, with whom she resided; and many dear friends.
The last of three Gilpin siblings, she was preceded in death by brothers, Boyd E. “Nick” Gilpin and Keith Gilpin.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors and health care staff who collectively took such great care of Ruth throughout her illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1608 Oram Street in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Burial will follow at East Canaan Cemetery.
Family and friends pay pay their respects at the church on Tuesday between 9 – 10:00 AM. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to St. Patrick’s Parish Food Pantry c/o 1401 Jackson St., Scranton PA. 18504.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.