Ruth G. Biro

Dr. Ruth G. Biro died on Dec. 12, 2021, of natural causes and complications from several surgeries.

Dr. Biro was born Aug. 7, 1940, in Butler, to Dr. Leonard G. Ghering and Jenny Elizabeth Lind Ghering.

She earned her B.A. in political science and secondary education at Chatham College, an M.L.S. in library science and her Ph.D. in higher education curriculum, with a specialty in children's literature, from the University of Pittsburgh.

For 47 years, Dr. Biro was with Duquesne University as a reference librarian in the university library, African collection librarian, and professor in the School of Education, where she taught library science courses, children's and adolescent literature, cultural diversity, intercultural education, multicultural and international literature, perspectives on the Holocaust, and doctoral courses, among others.

She is survived by John (Janos) Major of Pittsburgh, her partner of more than 30 years; a brother, John Martin Ghering (Ellen) of Flowery Branch, Ga.; a sister, Ann Ghering Flynn (John) of South Pasadena, Calif.; her nieces, Tina Ghering Hackney (Scott) of Flowery Branch, Ga., and Jennifer Flynn Case (Matthew) of Los Angeles, Calif.; her nephew, Timothy Anthony Flynn (Clare) of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

BIRO — A memorial service for Dr. Ruth G. Biro, who died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, will be held at the Duquesne University Chapel at a later date.

Dr. Biro will be cremated at the Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

In lieu of flowers, kindly direct donations to the Butler Area Public Library at 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001 (724-287-1715) for their book collection; or to the AHEA Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Eniko Basa, Executive Director (eniko.basa@verizon.net), 4515 Willard Ave., Apt. 2210, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; or to Doctors Without Borders (212-763-5779) at donations@newyork.msf.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.