Jaskol

Ruth Ella (Speer) Jaskol, 100, of New Haven Court, formerly of Grove City, was reunited with her loving husband, Joseph, and her family in Heaven the evening of April 25, 2023, while under the wonderful care of Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot.

Ruth Ella was born on Sept. 1, 1922, in Harrisville, and was the oldest daughter of the late William Kennedy Speer and the late Kathleen Ruth (Hogue) Speer. She grew up on the family farm and reflected on those stories often. Ruth Ella Jaskol always surprised people with the fact that she could drive a tractor.

She was a member of the 1940 graduating class of Harrisville High School.

After graduation, she moved to Pittsburgh and worked as a receptionist and telephone operator at United Engineering and Foundry for 19 years. While in Pittsburgh, she met her beloved husband, Joseph Michael Jaskol, and they married in April of 1959. They then moved to Montclair, N.J., where Joe began his career in hospital administration and Ruth Ella embraced her devoted role as Mrs. Jaskol.

During Joe’s career, in which he was influential in the building of several hospitals, the two moved 11 times in 25 years. Ruth Ella reflected on their times moving saying, “I made good friends wherever I went and did a good deal of entertaining.”

Following Joe’s retirement from his career in hospital administration and health care, the Jaskols moved “back home” in 1979 “whether they wanted [Ruth] or not.” Settling in Grove City, it was then that Ruth Ella became involved with the GFWC Women’s Club, where she held every office in her club including three years as president. She enjoyed traveling to conventions and proudly representing the club. She also was a past president of the Mercer County Federation of Women’s Clubs and was the past district director for the Northwest District, serving nine Pennsylvania counties, where she served as arts chairman and as an arts committee member. After her term as Northwestern District Director, she was appointed chairman of GFWC PA International Affairs Department.

She was a volunteer with the Mercer County Unit of the American Cancer Society, where she was involved in Relay for Life and was the co-chairman of Daffodil Days. While serving on the board of the American Cancer Society of Mercer, Ruth Ella and Joe were named “Volunteer of the Year” and also served as delegates to the Pennsylvania state convention. Ruth Ella was also a longtime and proud supporter of Mercer County Humane Society and George Junior Republic.

Ruth Ella was a charter member of the Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and she enjoyed making porcelain dolls and making many ceramics, especially many Santa Clauses. She loved the company of her many dogs throughout her life and she leaves behind her beloved Noah.

Ruth Ella is survived by two sisters, Ms. Janet Barnes of Grove City, and Ms. Mary Frances Parry of Austintown, Ohio; one brother, Mr. David D. (Andrea) Speer of New Castle, Del.; one sister-in-law, Ms. Gladys L. Speer of Slippery Rock; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews left to cherish her memory.

Ruth Ella loved every member of her family, close or distant, and was happiest at family gatherings — most notably, the Speer Thanksgiving.

Ruth Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Joseph M. Jaskol, Naval Officer Ensign, who passed away on Oct. 4, 2015; two brothers, William A. Speer and John B. Speer; three brothers-in-law, Damon R. Urbach, Jack Parry and Robert P. Barnes; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Speer and Garnet Speer.

Ruth Ella when writing this wanted to thank her nieces, Brenda Reppart, Kimberly Young and Erin Speer and their families, for their help and their support after an injury she sustained in 2019. She also would like to thank her sister, Mary Frances, for her loving support.

Ruth Ella was very blessed in her life. Her nieces will always cherish the impact that “Aunt Ruth” had on each of their lives. Aunt Ruth’s zest for life, her properness, her charitableness, and her stubbornness will never ever be forgotten. Our family is at peace knowing “Mother Superior” is reunited with Uncle Joe.

JASKOL — Family and friends of Ruth Ella (Speer) Jaskol, who died Tuesday, April 25, 2023, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 132 Main St., West Sunbury.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Mathias officiating.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth Ella would want any donations made to the Grove City Public Library, c/o 125 W. Main Street, Grove City, PA 16127, where Ruth Ella took her great-nephews and great-niece often as children; or to the Mercer County Humane Society, c/o 3005 E. State Street, Hermitage 16148.

Online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.