Ruth Nolan

May 22, 1925 - February 5, 2016

Fanny Ruth Nolan, 90, was called home to be with her Lord on Friday, February 5, 2016 while being comforted by her daughter at the Riverview Manor Health Care Center in Owego, where she had received loving, compassionate care. From 2003-2012, staff, including nurse Rhonda Mattes, had also provided excellent care and friendship at Elderwood Assisted Living at Tioga in Waverly. Born in Emporium, PA, on May 22, 1925, Ruth resided in Seneca Falls and Montezuma before becoming a resident of Weedsport for almost four decades. Prior to retiring in 1984, she was employed for 20 years as the secretary/receptionist of the Trust Department of the National Bank of Auburn/Fleet Bank. Coming to Jesus as a teenager, Ruth willingly used her many talents as a very active member of the United Methodist Church, where she served for most of her life in a variety of capacities, particularly in the Montezuma and Weedsport congregations. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother and faithful friend who loved to laugh and say things in jest. Loved by all in return, she was fun to be with and ready to go anywhere “at the drop of a hat.” Fulfilling a long held dream, at 59, Ruth began ballroom dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Studio in Syracuse. She enjoyed attending concerts, parades, and musicals and participated in the Weedsport Community Theater. Ruth also liked to watch dancing and singing competitions, had a long time love of bingo, and thought that there was nothing like a good book to read until the wee hours of the morning. An avid card player, she was hard to beat at rummy or canasta. Those who knew her will remember that Ruth’s favorite exclamation was “Oh, for heaven’s sake!” which covered everything from sad news to happy surprises (depending on the tone of delivery), while “Oh, for Pete’s sake!” was reserved for the occasional small (usually funny) frustration. Always cheerful, helpful, and giving, she daily demonstrated the love of Jesus to those around her, and her unflappable demeanor was proof of her firm belief that God was always watching over her. Ruth is survived by her daughter Nancy R. (Mike) Carey of Owego and son Dennis R., grandson Shane P. Smith of Asheville, NC, grandson Shawn M. Smith and great-granddaughter Shelby J., grandson Garey J. (Lori) Smith and great-granddaughter Alexis A., all of Madera, PA, as well as her sister Helen L. Miller of Millheim, PA, sister-in-law Betty J. Ingram of Curwensville, PA, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel H. and Ethel A. (Bell) Ingram of Emporium, PA, husband Herbert Richard Nolan of Montezuma and, on January 7, 2016, just 29 days before her own passing, her beloved brother Robert D. Ingram of Curwensville, PA. Interment at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens, PA, with Pastor Ken Lindsey officiating, and, in Curwensville, PA, a celebration honoring Ruth will both be held at a later date. Ruth’s wish was that any memorial donations be made to the church she was attending at the time of her death. She particularly enjoyed and was ministered to and loved by those conducting the “Lakeview Chapel” services at the Center. Any contributions in memory of Ruth may be sent to Lakeview Chapel, 185 Day Hollow Rd., Owego, NY 13827.