Ruth E. Graham, 89, went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2010, following a three week illness.
Ruth was born on March 9, 1921, in Newburgh, NY, the only child of Frederick and Bertha Adams. Following her graduation from The Newburgh Free Academy, she entered the St. Luke's Hospital School for Nurses and received her diploma as a registered nurse in 1943.
Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ruth enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps, requesting duty in the South Pacific, as she loved the sun and hot weather. Consequently, she served for two years in the British Isles. Ruth forged many lasting friendships during her service in WWII, including the most important one that developed between the beautiful 1st Lt. Adams and a handsome Captain from Akron, OH named Ernie Graham.
Following their honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Ruth and Ernie were married in Akron in 1949. Daughter Sharen Beth was born in 1950, followed by Linda in 1951.
Ruth worked as an RN in the maternity wards and nurseries at Peoples Hospital now AGMC and St. Thomas. The last ten years of her professional career were in the General Tire Plant Hospital on the evening shift as an industrial nurse.
Ruth was proud of her military service and was a life member of the Army and Navy Union #250 and the American Legion, along with the Turkeyfoot Sportmen's Ladies Auxiliary.
Following the death of her husband in 1998, Ruth moved to Chapel Hill Towers where she was an active participant in the Thursday Bible Study Group, The Community Lunch, and Sunday Services.
Mrs. Graham is survived by daughters; Sharen Beth Breyer of Green, Linda Kent Stewart of Bedford, TX, grandson; Sean Molly Taray of Delaware, granddaughter, Sara Stewart currently in graduate school at Bradley Univ. in IL, great grandchildren, Quentin and Sasha Taray, sister in law; Joan Andre Medvedeff, cousins; Margaret and Jean in FL, numerous nieces and nephews around the country. She also leaves behind her special friends from Chapel Hill Towers- Lillian and Okie, Nancy, Dolores, Mary, Doris, Ann, Virginia, Pearl, Evelyn, and many others.
Mom was a member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 50 years and enjoyed the monthly visits and communion with Pastor Jean Hansen. In keeping with Mom's wishes, Pastor Jean will conduct a private service for the family only. Inurnment will follow at a later date in the family plot in Newburgh, New York.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market St. Fairlawn 44333, the local or national humane society, or any veteran's group. Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel