Ruth S. Wanner

Ruth Slaugenhaupt Wanner, of Franklin Park and Scottsdale, Ariz., died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. She was born in Sligo, raised in McDonald, Ohio, and lived in Franklin Park and Ingomar for more than 45 years. Ruth earned her degrees from Westminster College and Furman University and interrupted her studies to enter the SPARS and proudly serve in the Coast Guard at the onset of World War II. From early childhood, the desire to teach was her passion, and she fulfilled her dream in the North Allegheny schools, spending most of her 24-year career as a third-grade teacher in Bradford Woods. Ruth always said that teaching was the most noble of professions and that she loved every single day of it. There were few places you could go with Ruth that a former student wouldn't stop to say hello, and her love and classroom readings of "Charlotte's Web" always will be cherished. In 2002, the Senate of Pennsylvania honored Ruth with a Person of Distinction award for contributions to her community. A lifelong avid reader, Ruth always had a novel or a crossword puzzle in hand. She was a faithful letter-writer, a beach-lover and a loyal fan of football, basketball and tennis. Her time at home in Franklin Park included communing with wildlife: birds, wild turkeys, her herd of deer and her favorite groundhog. A true sun-worshipper, she spent her time in Scottsdale poolside on her lanai. Beloved wife of the late George L. Jr. Loving mother of Roberta L. (Richard III) Vaughn, of Butler; George L. III, of Scottsdale; Eric W. (Donna), of Ingomar, and Grant M. (Sue) of Avon Lake, Ohio. Cherished grandmother and "Gunka" of Elspeth, Rhiannon, Michael, Robert, Jack, Maya and Seth. Sister of Virginia, of Reed City, Mich. Sister-in-law of June, of Naples, Fla. Also predeceased her parents, O. Grant and Myra M., and siblings Alexander, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Hugh and Evelyn Grace. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, 7720 Perry Highway, Ross. Graveside services will be at noon Thursday in Ingomar United Methodist Cemetery. In honor and remembrance of our fascinating mother, grandmother and friend, the family suggests contributions in Ruth S. Wanner's name to Reading is Fundamental Pittsburgh, 10 Children's Way, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.