Ruth Painter, mother of Nancy Wiggins, and grandmother of Noah and Nina, has passed away. Her funeral service will be held at Sewickley UMC today, Thursday, December 14, at 6:30 pm. Visitation will take place in the sanctuary the hour prior to the service, and a funeral meal will be held in the Simpson Room following the service.
Naomi Ruth Painter, 81, left her earthly life after a brief illness Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, to be with the Lord and her loving husband, Bobby. She was born Dec. 2, 1936, in Sewickley Township to her parents, Naomi and Joseph Lord. Always having a natural ability with numbers and accounting, Ruth excelled at Sewickley High in Herminie and graduated at the top of her class in 1954. She utilized her mathematical knowledge and skills from graduation until present. Ruth worked in accounting for the Peoples’ Union Bank, Berks’ Men Store in Irwin, Dynamic Products in Herminie, Reliance Steel in McKeesport and Pineer Manufacturing in Rillton. Additionally, she was a tax adviser at H&R Block for more than 28 years.
Ruth devoted much of her time and energy nurturing her family, animals, and was a devoted caregiver for her husband, Bobby, during his illness. She especially enjoyed camping, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Since her youth, Ruth valued faith and attended United Methodist Church in Herminie, First Presbyterian Church in Irwin, The Sewickley United Methodist Church and The Church in Rillton. She especially enjoyed worshiping with her daughter, Dr. Nancy P. Wiggins, son-in-law, Mark, and her beloved grandchildren, Nina and Noah, in Sewickley. Many will remember her love, generous heart and faith in action.
Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Robert G. Painter, and sister, Catherine “Dolly” Burkholder (Robert). She will be greatly missed by those she left behind, including her daughters, Dr. Nancy P. Wiggins (Mark), of Sewickley, and Linda Moore (Fred), of Herminie. Ruth leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Nina and Noah Wiggins, whom she deeply enjoyed taking care of and spending quality time with. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Lord, of Blythedale, and sister, Sara Lord, of Herminie. Surviving nieces and nephews include Coleen, Janice, Bill, Sally, Ramo, Antoinette, Kim, Neil and Brandon, along with other family members, Cathy, Roger and Blake Lipton.
In her memory, Ruth would appreciate that monetary donations be made to the Humane Society of Beaver County or Animal Friends. As a lasting wish, Ruth would hope that you perform an unexpected act of kindness to honor her.
A viewing will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, in Sewickley United Methodist Church, 337 Broad St., Sewickley, and funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Interment will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Penn Lincoln Cemetery. Please go directly to the cemetery.