Ruth Stanley

Ruth (Shultz) Stanley died peacefully at White Horse Village in Newtown Square, PA on October 21, 2016 at the age of 96.

Ruth is survived by her two children, Gene Stanley and his partner Nahama Reinherz of Brookline, MA and Craig Stanley and his wife Helen of Middleton, MA; her four grandchildren, Jannah Stanley and her husband Dan Pritchard of Portland, CT, Michael Stanley and his wife Pam of New York City, Rachel (Stanley) Brown and her husband Dwight of Newton, MA and Jessica Stanley and her partner Tyler Asher of Tahoe City, CA; sister-in-law Irmgard Shultz of Huntsville, AL, wife of the late Bennie Shultz; her four great grandchildren Idahlia, Penelope, Grant and Pierce; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Harry Stanley, her parents Bennie and Audrey Shultz, her sisters Evalee Homan and Marie Kukuk and her brother Bennie Shultz.

Ruth was born on September 15, 1920 in Norman, OK. She graduated from Oklahoma University with a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in mathematics. She married Harry Stanley and lived in several places before settling in West Chester, PA in 1950. Ruth began a professorship in mathematics at West Chester University in 1959, where she taught over 6,000 students, retiring in 1986 and named Professor Emeritus. Her children remember her as a kind, gentle, selfless and generous mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and passions. She was a loving, exceptional role model over the years to everyone who knew her.

Ruth loved playing piano, traveling, discussing politics and reading her daily New York Times. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a tireless volunteer at the Chester County Hospital, the League of Women Voters, Meals on Wheels and White Horse Village, where she lived for over 21 years. Ruth was also a passionate member of many groups promoting world peace. She was the last surviving charter member of the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester.

A Memorial Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, November 7 at 1:00pm at White Horse Village and will be officiated by Reverend Beth Lawn with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ruth’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “WCU Foundation", Memo Line:  “Mathematics Scholarship Endowment”, PO Box 541, West Chester, PA 19381. Condolence messages may be left in the online guestbook at DeBaptiste.com. The family thanks the skilled nursing staff of White Horse Village and Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care and dedication.