Ruth E Stefanovich

Ruth E. Stefanovich, 91, passed away at Rose Garden Nursing Home in Toms River from cancer. She was born in GlenRidge, NJ to George and Gertrude Porter, and went on to live in Martinsville and New Providence, NJ.
Ruth graduated from Summit Hospital School of Nursing with her Registered Nurse degree. She worked in the emergency department of Elizabeth General Hospital for 10 years before transitioning to school nursing in the Elizabeth School system for the next 30 years. She started at two elementary schools, advanced to Jefferson High School, moved on to the new high school when it opened in 1978, and concluded her career at an elementary school. She also continued her education over the course of 15 years, earning a Bachelor's degree as well as two Master's degrees.
Ruth met her husband Stas at a social dance, they dated for several years before getting married in 1955. They considered life to be an adventure and loved to travel, venturing to 29 counties and 49 of the 50 states. Their favorite trip was with Ruth's lifelong friend Barbara in her RV - a 3-and-a-half-month journey across the top of the country and Canada, six weeks through Alaska and a return trip along the west coast and across the southern route of the country. There was nothing they enjoyed more than sharing a meal with their family and friends, making memories to last a lifetime. Ruth and Stas celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July of 2015.
Ruth was able to make friends wherever she went. She was outgoing, caring, a good listener, and always had a smile on her face and a fun story to tell. She also loved animals, usually had a dog treat in her jacket pocket and provided stray cats that crossed her path with a loving home.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Stas, her siblings, Robert and his wife Shirley, Jean and Edward, all of her husband's siblings and most of their spouses, and her granddaughters Krystal Elizabeth and Ashley Nichole. Surviving are her son Chris, her daughter Liz and her husband Christopher, her sister-in-law Dorothy, her friends Barbara and Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Silverton Memorial Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements. Ruth has been cremated and a celebration of life will be planned by the family at a later date.