Ruth L. Moylan

Ruth L. Moylan, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died June 21 at home following an illness. She was the widow of Dr. Joseph E. Moylan, a family practice physician who died in 2006. Dr. and Mrs. Moylan were married for over sixty years.

She was born on July 8, 1921, the daughter of the late William and Bertha Braun Farber. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ parish; Ruth graduated from Scranton Technical High School and worked as a legal secretary prior to her marriage.

Mrs. Moylan was very active in the community through the years and held numerous offices in a wide range of organizations, including the Lackawanna County Medical Society Auxiliary, St. Mary's Hospital and Mercy Hospital auxiliaries, the Moosic Lakes Club, South Scranton Little League Mothers Club and her Church. Besides her family, to which she was extremely devoted, her greatest passion was animals. Ruth was the founder and driving force behind the 1983 formation of "Volunteers for Pets," later renamed the "Scranton Animal Association." Under her leadership, the organization rescued thousands of the city's stray animals and helped families adopt them into loving homes. This work involved collaboration with city officials and veterinarians as well as ongoing fundraising. The organization's good work continues to this day through the efforts of a core group of volunteers. In 1993, Ruth was recognized by The Scranton Times for her contributions to the community in its "Northeast Woman" feature.

Surviving are a daughter, Jane Sullivan and husband, Tim; her adored granddaughter, Meghan Ruth Sullivan, all of Fox Chapel, Pa.; a son, Joseph C. Moylan, Scranton; a niece, Eileen Farber Bonk; a nephew, Wayne Farber; and cousins. Her devoted friend and neighbor, Fran Lewis, holds a special place in her heart as does Joe Mascioli, friend and helper for over thirty years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved son, Thomas E. Moylan of Madisonville; a brother, William L. Farber and wife, Maria; and brother-in-law, Robert F. Moylan, all of Scranton.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their outstanding and compassionate care.

The funeral will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Avenue, with service by the Reverend Harrison Putnam, pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Interment will follow in the Dunmore Cemetery, Dunmore.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, June 23 at the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Scranton Animal Association, P.O. Box 3784, Scranton, PA 18505-0784. Go to www.millerbeanfh.com for additional information or directions.