Bullman

Ruth V. Bullman, 80, of Mercer passed away Thursday at the Grove City Medical Center.

She was born April 17, 1931, in Mars, the daughter of Albert and Clara Wolf Bastain. Ruth was the youngest of 13 children and the last surviving member of the Bastain family.

Ruth spent most of her life in Mercer. For 21 years, she cared for the residents of Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Grove City as a nurses aide before retiring in 1996.

Her favorite pastimes included watching television, solving crossword puzzles and adding to her vast collection of hummingbird figurines. Animals always held a special place in her heart, particularly the Pomeranian puppies she raised and her loyal companions, Chihuahua, Chi-Chi, and her cat, Whiskers.

Ruth enjoyed entertaining, and she took great pleasure in holiday get-togethers with family and friends.

Truly, her family was the focus of her life. She took pride in being the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother she could be. Her loving and caring spirit will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory her three sons, Leroy Claypoole of Karns City, Ralph Claypoole and his wife, Faye, of Petrolia and Carl Claypoole of Washington, Pa.; a daughter, Linda Atwell of Mercer; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Bullman, who she married Aug. 26, 1966; three brothers; and nine sisters.

<B>BULLMAN</B> — Relatives and friends of Ruth V. Bullman, who died Thursday, June 16, 2011, may visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the <B>Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services</B>, 102 Argyle St., Petrolia, where funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Robert Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery, Fairview Township.To express online condolences to Ruth’s family, visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.