SHREWSBURY/MILLBURY Ruth M. Shimkus died peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital on August 13, 2007. She lived most of her energetic 98 years in Millbury before moving to the retirement center, Southgate in Shrewsbury.
She was born May 1, 1909, daughter of the late Edward and Jennie Hofstra of Millbury. She was preceded by her first husband Paul T. Salmonsen, and by her "Darling" Dan A. Shimkus. She leaves a daughter, Shirley Salmonsen Roberson and her husband Jay Kaufman of Foster City, CA; two grand daughters, Kim Roberson of Kathmandu, Nepal and Marika Roberson of Tucson AZ; three great-grandchildren, Jasper and Ellie Schluz of Tucson and Petra Koenig of Kathmandu; and many nieces and nephews including Frances Shimkus Palmer of Uxbridge, who was with her when she died.
Ruth graduated from Millbury High School in 1926 and from Worcester State College in 1930, then Worcester Normal School. She began her teaching career at Oxford Junior High School. She left teaching for marriage and a daughter. Then she sold dresses at DonwayTM)s Dress Shop in Worcester, worked as a credit manager for Firestone Tire and was as executive secretary at Felters Co. in Millbury. But she returned to teaching at Oxford High School and taught business courses, coached girlsTM) basketball and oversaw the annual high school plays. She ended her teaching career at Millbury Junior High School where she introduced hundreds of students to the joys of reading.
Ruth was an active member of many community and professional organizations. She was proud of her 75 year membership pin with the Adah and then Pakachoag Chapter of the Eastern Star and had served as secretary for the North East Region of the National Bell Association. Included in her many local activities were the Millbury and then Shrewsbury WomenTM)s Clubs, the Millbury Federated Church, the Millbury Historical Society and the Asa Waters Manson, the Millbury Council on Aging, and the Millbury Public Library.
There will be calling hours on Friday, August 17th from 5 8 pm at the Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main Street, Millbury. A private service will be held Saturday for family members. On September 23rd, there will be a public "Celebration of Ruth ShimkusTM) Life" from 11am-noon followed by a buffet luncheon at Southgate, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury.
Ruth loved reading and libraries. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Millbury Public Library c/o Jill Brindisi, 128 Elm Street, Millbury, MA 01527 for the Ruth Shimkus childrenTM)s reading program.
Read Ruth Shimkus's Obituary and Guestbook on mulhane.com.
She was born May 1, 1909, daughter of the late Edward and Jennie Hofstra of Millbury. She was preceded by her first husband Paul T. Salmonsen, and by her "Darling" Dan A. Shimkus. She leaves a daughter, Shirley Salmonsen Roberson and her husband Jay Kaufman of Foster City, CA; two grand daughters, Kim Roberson of Kathmandu, Nepal and Marika Roberson of Tucson AZ; three great-grandchildren, Jasper and Ellie Schluz of Tucson and Petra Koenig of Kathmandu; and many nieces and nephews including Frances Shimkus Palmer of Uxbridge, who was with her when she died.
Ruth graduated from Millbury High School in 1926 and from Worcester State College in 1930, then Worcester Normal School. She began her teaching career at Oxford Junior High School. She left teaching for marriage and a daughter. Then she sold dresses at DonwayTM)s Dress Shop in Worcester, worked as a credit manager for Firestone Tire and was as executive secretary at Felters Co. in Millbury. But she returned to teaching at Oxford High School and taught business courses, coached girlsTM) basketball and oversaw the annual high school plays. She ended her teaching career at Millbury Junior High School where she introduced hundreds of students to the joys of reading.
Ruth was an active member of many community and professional organizations. She was proud of her 75 year membership pin with the Adah and then Pakachoag Chapter of the Eastern Star and had served as secretary for the North East Region of the National Bell Association. Included in her many local activities were the Millbury and then Shrewsbury WomenTM)s Clubs, the Millbury Federated Church, the Millbury Historical Society and the Asa Waters Manson, the Millbury Council on Aging, and the Millbury Public Library.
There will be calling hours on Friday, August 17th from 5 8 pm at the Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main Street, Millbury. A private service will be held Saturday for family members. On September 23rd, there will be a public "Celebration of Ruth ShimkusTM) Life" from 11am-noon followed by a buffet luncheon at Southgate, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury.
Ruth loved reading and libraries. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Millbury Public Library c/o Jill Brindisi, 128 Elm Street, Millbury, MA 01527 for the Ruth Shimkus childrenTM)s reading program.
Read Ruth Shimkus's Obituary and Guestbook on mulhane.com.
A service summary is not available