Ruth B. Mathew

Ruth B. Mathew Ruth B. Mathew, 102, of Chestnut Street, Franklin, passed away at 9:05 a.m., at the Oil City Presbyterian Nursing Home on Monday, August 08, 2011. Ruth was born in Franklin on March 28, 1909 to the late Charles and Eliza Brink Baker. She was the wife of the late Rev. Elmer Mathew, who passed away on May 30, 1994. Mrs. Mathew attended Graham Bredinsburg and Seneca Schools. She spent most of her life in Sharon, and while there, she founded and organized the Sharpsville Chapel. She also owned and operated a personal care home for the elderly. Mrs. Mathew returned to Franklin in 1970 when her husband, Rev. Mathew, was called to pastor the Mt. Carmel Church. There, Ruth was a member of the Church and the pianist. Mrs. Mathew and her late husband, Rev. Mathew, for many years, had a radio program on Radio Station W.F.R.A.., which was known as "Sunday Morning Meditations with Ruth and Elmer." Ruth was the organist for the radio program. Ruth and Rev. Mathew were very fond of traveling, and after his retirement from Mt. Carmel Church, they spent the winters in their home in Spring Hill, Florida, traveled through many states and spent time in the Bahamas, only returning home to Franklin in the summer months. They returned to Pennsylvania permanently after ill health of Rev. Mathew forced them to do so. At the age of 91, Mrs. Mathew organized a Kitchen Band of senior folks, known as the "Recycled Teenagers", and they entertained folks at various nursing homes throughout the area. Ruth was also a gospel worker in the Association of Fundamental Ministers and Churches for many years. Mrs. Mathew is survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and Rev. Mathew, Mrs. Mathew was preceded in death by her former husbands, Shirly Burton and Ralph Wortman; her sisters, Mildred Kelly, Georgie Cauvel, Ruby Simon , Mary King, Goldie Long, and Bernice Eaton; her brothers, Earl Baker and Rev. Arthur Baker; and her nephew, Oakley Baker. Family and friends of Mrs. Mathew will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, August 11 at 11 a.m. following visitation. Interment will follow at Bredinsburg Cemetery. To send condolences, flowers, or sympathy cards, people may visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.