Ruth Ann Gribbin

1940 - 2026

Ruth Ann Gribbin
Ewing, NJ
Ruth Ann Gribbin, 85, of Ewing, NJ, died on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in White Oak. She was born in McKeesport on April 14, 1940, and was the daughter of the late William and Ruth Steele Thomson. After college, President Kennedy awarded Ruth Ann a grant to attend Smith College, where she received and earned her masters degree in deaf education. A telegram was later sent to Ruth Ann asking her to become a teacher at the New Jersey School for the Deaf. She taught at the school for five years and went on to become the Director of Admissions and retired after twenty-eight years. Ruth Ann and her husband, Jon, volunteered for Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, NJ, and the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center in McKeesport. She was devoted to preserving and maintaining the historic 1867 Sanctuary in Ewing, NJ. Ruth Ann was the Sanctuarys Anonymous Seraphim Angel the single largest donor to Preservation New Jerseys 1867 Sanctuary Committee and to the Friends of the 1867 Sanctuary. Her donations provided most of the support for the Sanctuary for over ten years. In addition to her generous donations, Ruth Ann volunteered countless hours, providing refreshments for all the Sanctuary events and beautiful decorations for each season. Most of all, she aspired to ensure that visitors were in awe of the beauty of the Sanctuary as much as she was. Ruth Ann is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jon F. Gribbin of Ewing, NJ; and her brother, John S. Thomson of White Oak. In addition to her parents, Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her brother, William Thomson.
A family gathering and services officiated by Pastor Ray Beard took place on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. A burial followed at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Township.
Arrangements were cared for by STRIFFLERS OF WHITE OAK CREMATION AND MORTUARY SERVICES INC., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177). Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Ruth Anns name may be made to the following organizations: for those who reside in the Ewing, NJ, vicinity, the suggested places are The 1867 Sanctuary, 101 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628, or Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, NJ, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing, NJ 08638. For those who reside in the White Oak/McKeesport, vicinity, the suggested places for contributions are Jamie^^s Dream Team, 4617 Walnut St., McKeesport, PA 15132, or the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center, 1832 Arboretum Dr., McKeesport, PA 15132. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com.