Ruth Wharton
On Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, Ruth McGrath Wharton was called to her heavenly home.
Ruth was born Sept. 17, 1926, to John and Mary Gray.
She graduated from Altoona High School in 1944.
In 1949, she married her first husband, Jerry McGrath, who passed away in 1982. During their 33 years of marriage, they had six children and lived in the Butler area.
In the 1960s and 1970s, she worked as an Avon district manager. Later, she spent a few years in real estate.
She held offices in the Junior Women’s Club and the Intermediate League. She was one of the first women to be both a lector and eucharistic minister for St. Paul Church.
In 1984, she married Paul Wharton. From 1984 to 1999, she and Paul lived in St. Marys, Pa., where she served on the hospital board and auxiliary. Their years together took them on many trips around the world. They spent most of their winters in their condo in the Boca Raton area.
After returning to Butler, her summers were spent golfing as a member of the Armco/Oakview Golf Club and the Stoughton Sunrise leagues.
Over the years, Ruth also enjoyed duplicate bridge, bingo and dancing. But her best times were those spent with family and friends. She was an awesome mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Ruth was a lifelong Catholic, and most recently was a member of St. Andrew R.C. Church.
Surviving are her husband, Paul; her children, Kathleen (John) Rutkoski of Butler, Sandra Rishor of Beaverton, Ore., Greg McGrath of Blandon, Pa., Paul McGrath of Flowery Branch, Ga., Denise Stevenson of Troy, Ala., Scott (Kim) McGrath of Houston, Texas; and her stepson, Kevin Wharton of Butler.
She also had 17 grandchildren and 19 great- grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her sister, Marian; and first husband, Jerry.
WHARTON — Private services for Ruth McGrath Wharton, who died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, were held for her family.
Entombment was in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
