Ruth Ellen Matthews

Ruth Ellen Matthews died unexpectedly Monday, August 25, 2025. She was born October 18, 1937 to George and Martha Matthews (deceased) in Philadelphia. She is survived by her sister Beryl Harrison, nephew Derek Harrison and wife Claire and sons Owen and Luke, and nephew Trent Harrison and wife Cindy and children Tyler and Morgan. She is also survived by several cousins and many lifelong friends whom she considered her chosen family, including her little dog Harry. As a Philadelphia native, she was a proud Eagles and Phillies fan throughout her life. She also lived in Havertown, PA, Menefee, CA and lastly in Newtown, CT. She fondly spoke of the two men in her life- Robert Bacon (deceased, of Philadelphia area) and James Taylor (deceased, of Menefee CA). Ruth attended Jules E. Mastbaum Vocational-Technical School class of 1955 and remained life-long friends with her classmates. Ruth served as the Personnel Manager at KYW News Radio/Channel 3 in Philadelphia where she was told by a NY executive that Ruth "broke the glass ceiling." She was awarded lifetime gold membership to Local 804 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators in recognition of "repeatedly and consistently over-extending herself to assist members who were in need due to illness and family emergencies. To her profession of Human Resources Manager, she has added a personal compassion transcending that of job description." Ruth Matthews was a kind, generous, caring, independent, and self-determined woman. She had an indominable spirit. Ruth will be missed.