Ruth E. Flaherty

Ruth Eileen Shank Flaherty, age 93, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, with her eye's wide open one more time passed into the Presence of her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with her daughter Faye at her side. She was blessed to have many of her family and friends with her or visit over the phone before she passed.
Ruth was born and raised in East Renovo, PA, daughter of John Shank and Johanna Jane Shank. She attended nursing school in Philadelphia, PA where she met her GI, James Dotson, moved to Montana, was married in 1953 and began her career as an OB nurse-she loved the babies! Then Director of Nursing in a nursing home and, finally, HeadStart nurse which she loved. In 1982 she received her master's degree and began her counseling practice in Yuma, AZ counseling children including foster children and those moving towards adoption.
Besides her family, Ruth loved traveling, hunting, and fishing. She introduced her family and friends to Camp Tuffit in northwestern Montana, a wonderful rustic resort where you saw the same friends year after year. All her children have taken their families to Camp Tuffit continuing the wonderful family experience.
Ruth committed her life to Christ at church camp and then became a counselor there. In the early '70s during the Jesus People Movement, Ruth's renewed personal relationship with Jesus Christ renewed her faith. From then on God, the people of God, and involvement in the church was so very important to her until the end seldom missing a chapel service or Bible Study at the nursing home after she was unable to attend church with Laura. During her life, she was loved and active in every church she attended.
Ruth poured herself into her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at every opportunity. We are extremely blessed to be able to pass on her legacy of love to our families and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents John Wilson Shank, Johanna Jane Shank, brother Lemayne Shank, half-siblings Justice, Jean Phyllis, John, and Neil Shank, ex-husbands: James Dotson, John Gagnon, Jim Flaherty, multiple beloved cousins, Joyce Shank, her beloved sister-in-law and travel companion, and great granddaughter Aiyana Louie.
Ruth is survived by her children: Kim (Rod) Oswald (CA), Laura (Tom) Gozinske (WI), Faye (Mike) Shanley (MI), Paul (Gail) Dotson (WA), Ralph (Lecia) Dotson (OR),
19 incredibly loved grandchildren: Alisha, Kristina, Catherine; Jim, Tom, Kai; Brady, Byron, Johanna, Chad, Andrew, Shakella, Zach; Amy, Carrie, Elizabeth, Gretchen; Jayden, Eric,
26 extremely loved great-grandchildren: Shai, Aurelia, Atreus; Cassie, Lucas, Juliet; Xander; Alina, Oona, Ondrea, Odin; Axel, James, Jasper, Violet; Hunter, Everleigh, Waylon; Rosie, Charlie; Tehila, Daniel, Eliora; Braxton, Emma, Quinn,
Robyn, Sandy and John beloved nieces and nephew and families.
Special thanks to her cousin Alma Williamson and friend Audrey Crosby who faithfully corresponded until the end, to Lisa, Director of Nursing, and other staff and residents at Riverdale who loved Ruth. Also, to Moments Hospice for their extremely compassionate care in Ruth's final days, Pratt Funeral Home, and Grace Community Church.
Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Community Church on Sunday May 25, 2025, with visitation and a light meal beginning around 1:15 pm followed immediately by a service at 2pm. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. prattfuneralservice.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The International Crane Foundation, Passages, and Grace Community Church.