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Ruth Jessup Obituary
Ruth was born and raised in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of the late Charles and Bessie (Rockafellow) Weber and the sister of the late Virginia Lanfier and the late Roberta Chant. She met the love of her life and husband of 61 years, John Jessup, while they both worked on the Muscatine High School newspaper. After their marriage, Ruth and John's first home was at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. They were both students and welcomed their first daughter there. John's career took them to St. Albans, WV where their second daughter was born. Another job transfer to Baltimore, MD and another daughter came a few years later. In 1972, yet another career opportunity took the family to Hightstown, NJ.
Yet wherever Ruth was planted, she blossomed! In addition to her home and family, she found time to teach Sunday school, lead a Girl Scout troop, become an active PTA member and serve as President of the United Methodist Women.
As her family grew, so did her interests. She was very involved in the local League of Women Voters, became a master gardener, served on many more church committees, earning 3 United Methodist Women Life Membership pins, and joined the Friends of the Library. Her lifelong love of reading meant that her 25 year career as a public librarian in NJ was the ideal choice for her.
John and Ruth retired to Havre de Grace in 1992 to find the perfect retirement community. They embraced their new neighbors, joined the Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse and the Friends of the Library, and served at Grace Place. After John's passing in 2009, Ruth continued to serve in her church and community. Ruth became a Ravens and Orioles fan second to none!
Ruth is survived by her daughters Jennifer Cibelli of Havre de Grace, Martha (Robert) MacFarland of Scaggsville, MD and Ann (Robert) Finn of Pitman, NJ. Also survived by her most adored (and doted on) eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church, 101 Union Ave, on Saturday June 24, 2023 at 2:00pm. A reception will follow in the social hall of the church. Donations in Ruth's memory can be made to the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church, 101 Union Ave, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Jessup
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Terry
June 17, 2024
It´s been a year already. Your smile and good heart is so missed. I know your happy now with your husband John together forever again
John and Carolyn Farmer
June 25, 2023
I met John and Ruth while driving the church bus. Parking at our church is at a premium so the church bought new a 9 passenger bus with handicap capability. We picked them up at Hutchins park at the end of Congress Ave and brought them to church and after worship took them back. Also was asked to sit with Ruth and Ruth Vaughn,and Clarence Vaughn in the same pew. Ruth loved her hugs
Kent Hibben
June 24, 2023
Many are the eyes observing Ruth Jessup's shaping of their lives! As a Grandson-in-law, I am honored in turn to share a bit how she guides me forward! GREATgrandma Ruth ( I delight in seeing her through my daughters' doting gaze) grew beyond the trials of the Great Depression, as did MY Grandmother Ruth (Hibben), and my best friend's Grossmama, ALSO Ruth. I am blessed how the name recurrently graces my life.
I reflect also how adding the Cross of her Faith shapes from Ruth, TRuth!
Her Iowa-strong eyes locked mine, as I was courting her granddaughter Kristen - When I said "Kristen's a Keeper", Ruth leaned forward and said "She better be!"
Ruth lives forward through matriarching Kristen & my marriage, and further yet, with our first daughter named, in sequence, Lark RUTH.
We're ongoing grateful for being on her deeply rooted, waxing family tree!
Kent Lamparter Hibben and Kristen Cibelli Hibben, Lark Ruth Lamparter Hibben and Skye Louise Lamparter Hibben
Brandon Vaughn
June 23, 2023
Mrs. Ruth sent me countless dozens of prayer cards and notes during years of chronic illness. Her thoughtful gestures brought me solace and comfort during that difficult time. Her random and persistent acts of kindness towards a boy she barely knew will forever be etched into my memory. Honored and grateful to have been able to meet and be graced by the compassion of this beautiful soul and servant of God.
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Linda & Ned Tomarchio
June 23, 2023
We know Mrs. Ruth is in a happier place in our Father´s arms! She was one of the dearest people We have ever had the privilege to know. Mrs. Ruth will be greatly missed!
Pat Campbell
June 23, 2023
Mrs. Ruth will be dearly missed at Havre de Grace UMC. Everyone loved her and her gentle loving ways. She was a wonderful disciple of Jesus Christ and as I told Jennifer earlier, I know she was welcomed to her eternal home and heard those wonderful words, " Job well done good and faithful servant.".
Terry
June 20, 2023
I´m so going to miss her big smile and kind heart, she was the sweetest women Mrs Ruth you will always be remembered, I will forever carry you in my heart... my pup have lost a dear friend as well
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