Mrs. Ruth E. Gelow
Funeral Information
Home:
Pine Hill, NJ
Date of Death:
October 15, 2011
Place of Birth:
Northumberland, PA
Birthdate:
June 30, 1938
Age:
73
Memorial Service:
Thursday, October 20, 2011 1:00 PM Costantino Funeral Home, Berlin Boro, NJ
Visitation:
Thursday, October 13, 2011 12:00-1:00PM at Costantino Funeral Home, Berlin Boro, NJ
Biography
Gelow
Ruth E.
(nee Beck) On October 15, 2011 of Pine Hill, NJ. Age 73 years. Beloved wife of the late Robert F. of 47 years. Devoted mother of Robert (Cindy), Kelly Salerno (Patrick), Jody Gelow (Don), and Kim Coates (John). Proud grandmother of Kenneth Romano (Kristin), PJ Salerno (Amber), Jenna Gelow, Robert Gelow, Jamie Coates, Josh Coates, and Jackie Gulino (John). Great Grandmother of Kiera and Kayla. She will be missed by her loving pet Robertson. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday afternoon 12:00PM-1:00PM at the COSTANTINO FUNERAL HOME 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE BERLIN, NJ 08009. Funeral service 1:00PM at the funeral home. Cremation and interment will be private. Please, no flowers. Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice 600 Highland Dr. Westhampton, NJ 08060. For additional information or to email condolences, please visit CostantinoFH.com.
In Loving Memory of
Ruth E. Gelow
June 30, 1938
October 15, 2011
"The Magic of a Mother's Touch"
There's magic in a Mother's touch, and sunshine in her smile. There's love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. We can find both hope and courage just by looking in her eyes. Her laughter is a source of joy, her words are warm and wise. There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace, and we see the light of heaven shining from a Mother's face.
Ruth Elaine Beck Eulogy written by Kelly Salerno
She was born June 30th, 1938 In the living room of her family home in Northumberland , PA, she was the youngest of 11 children. She was a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, and enjoyed church.
In high school mom loved going to the football games, a love for football stayed with her the rest of her life; She was a diehard Eagles fan but eventually sided with the Washington Redskins. She also spent a lot of summers in Boston with her brother Bob and sister-in-law.
After high school Mom went to work for the Pennsylvania Fish & Game in Harrisburg, PA. Mom's childhood friend Neil was serving in the navy at the time and became friends with Bob Gelow. Bob had a picture of Mile High Hill in Pennsylvania from a magazine and mentioned to Neil that he would really like to see it someday. So Neil invited Bob to come home with him to see Mile High Hill and also set him up on a blind date with a really nice girl that he grew up with. So Neil invited Ruth out to meet his friend on Friday night, but mom turned him down because she was too tired. Her mother overheard the conversation and told her to call Neil back because she was going on that date whether she liked it or not, because you do not turn down an opportunity to date a sailor. So they went to dinner and had a wonderful time. Dad was a shy friendly gentleman. At the end of the date he asked mom if she would write to him while he was away and she agreed. Over the course of the next few months they wrote back and forth to each other and when dad was at the naval station he called mom to tell her he bought her a ring and what his intensions were, when he came home on leave he would ask her parents permission to marry her.
Mom and dad were married June 18,1958 in Bluffton, Indiana and then resided in Newport, Rhode Island. They ended up in Pine Hill, New Jersey with 3 children already in tow, and along came the baby Kimmmie on mom's birthday no less. Mom stayed home with us kids until Dad said honey its time for you to go back to work. She was employed at Camden county vocational school, then was employed as secretary to the mayor of pine hill and also zoning secretary of pine hill. At the time Dad was also a councilman for Pine Hill. She absolutely loved politics. At many family gatherings, we would always tell people, don't mention Politics, because we knew it was going to be an all night debate. Mom then moved on to hold a few administrative positions at the University of Pennsylvania, ending up in the Alumni Relations department, that she thrived in. Dad was also employed at the university, so the two of them got to ride to work together every day, yes lots of quality time. As years went on they were able to spend many vacations in ocean city and Jensen beach in Florida. When they retired, they spent the winters in Florida and the summers back home. Mom had many artistic talents, she did ceramics, quilting, calligraphy, silk flower arranging and she was also a collector, her and dad had a passion for antiques.
Mimi enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and watching what they have accomplished. After dad passed, we spent as much time as we could with her to keep her happy so she wouldn't be depressed. In December 2007, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was operated on in February 2008 where they did a colon resection, appendectomy and partial liver removal and exceeded all the doctors' expectations.
Mom then followed up with chemotherapy for the next 3 years and unfortunately the chemo took its toll on her. However, mom gave one hell of a fight and we will always remember her strength and courage throughout her ordeal. Having mom home with pat and I gave us time, at night when she was relaxed, she would tell us stories of when she was growing up, she shared so many happy memories. On Saturday, October 8th we took her for what we didn't know at the time, would be her last trip to the Ocean City Fall Festival, she had such a wonderful time with all her girls. We take comfort in knowing that she's with our dad now. Her last few days she kept telling us that dad was coming for her, how handsome he was, and that he is the total package. It was time to take his hand ,and be with dad., we never wanted to say goodbye,,,,,,So,,,,,,,,We will say good night mom,,,,,we love you ..sweet dreams...
In closing, the family would like to thank her friends in her neighborhood, who have been there for her & dad all these years. They treasured your friendships and loved every one of you. The way you rallied around her when Daddy passed, the help you gave her, and the way you watched over her, We are truly blessed and grateful.
A special Thank You to Denise Rozzelle, who took care of Mom in her final weeks. She quickly became a friend and family member. She went above and beyond her job, befriending my Mom and keeping her comfortable and keeping our family informed. At the most difficult time, she showed us how to say goodbye and we will always be grateful. Thank You Denise.
Finally, the family would like to thank everyone for coming and making it such a beautiful Tribute to our Mom Ruth Gelow.
Ruth E.
(nee Beck) On October 15, 2011 of Pine Hill, NJ. Age 73 years. Beloved wife of the late Robert F. of 47 years. Devoted mother of Robert (Cindy), Kelly Salerno (Patrick), Jody Gelow (Don), and Kim Coates (John). Proud grandmother of Kenneth Romano (Kristin), PJ Salerno (Amber), Jenna Gelow, Robert Gelow, Jamie Coates, Josh Coates, and Jackie Gulino (John). Great Grandmother of Kiera and Kayla. She will be missed by her loving pet Robertson. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday afternoon 12:00PM-1:00PM at the COSTANTINO FUNERAL HOME 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE BERLIN, NJ 08009. Funeral service 1:00PM at the funeral home. Cremation and interment will be private. Please, no flowers. Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice 600 Highland Dr. Westhampton, NJ 08060. For additional information or to email condolences, please visit CostantinoFH.com.
In Loving Memory of
Ruth E. Gelow
June 30, 1938
October 15, 2011
"The Magic of a Mother's Touch"
There's magic in a Mother's touch, and sunshine in her smile. There's love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. We can find both hope and courage just by looking in her eyes. Her laughter is a source of joy, her words are warm and wise. There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace, and we see the light of heaven shining from a Mother's face.
Ruth Elaine Beck Eulogy written by Kelly Salerno
She was born June 30th, 1938 In the living room of her family home in Northumberland , PA, she was the youngest of 11 children. She was a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, and enjoyed church.
In high school mom loved going to the football games, a love for football stayed with her the rest of her life; She was a diehard Eagles fan but eventually sided with the Washington Redskins. She also spent a lot of summers in Boston with her brother Bob and sister-in-law.
After high school Mom went to work for the Pennsylvania Fish & Game in Harrisburg, PA. Mom's childhood friend Neil was serving in the navy at the time and became friends with Bob Gelow. Bob had a picture of Mile High Hill in Pennsylvania from a magazine and mentioned to Neil that he would really like to see it someday. So Neil invited Bob to come home with him to see Mile High Hill and also set him up on a blind date with a really nice girl that he grew up with. So Neil invited Ruth out to meet his friend on Friday night, but mom turned him down because she was too tired. Her mother overheard the conversation and told her to call Neil back because she was going on that date whether she liked it or not, because you do not turn down an opportunity to date a sailor. So they went to dinner and had a wonderful time. Dad was a shy friendly gentleman. At the end of the date he asked mom if she would write to him while he was away and she agreed. Over the course of the next few months they wrote back and forth to each other and when dad was at the naval station he called mom to tell her he bought her a ring and what his intensions were, when he came home on leave he would ask her parents permission to marry her.
Mom and dad were married June 18,1958 in Bluffton, Indiana and then resided in Newport, Rhode Island. They ended up in Pine Hill, New Jersey with 3 children already in tow, and along came the baby Kimmmie on mom's birthday no less. Mom stayed home with us kids until Dad said honey its time for you to go back to work. She was employed at Camden county vocational school, then was employed as secretary to the mayor of pine hill and also zoning secretary of pine hill. At the time Dad was also a councilman for Pine Hill. She absolutely loved politics. At many family gatherings, we would always tell people, don't mention Politics, because we knew it was going to be an all night debate. Mom then moved on to hold a few administrative positions at the University of Pennsylvania, ending up in the Alumni Relations department, that she thrived in. Dad was also employed at the university, so the two of them got to ride to work together every day, yes lots of quality time. As years went on they were able to spend many vacations in ocean city and Jensen beach in Florida. When they retired, they spent the winters in Florida and the summers back home. Mom had many artistic talents, she did ceramics, quilting, calligraphy, silk flower arranging and she was also a collector, her and dad had a passion for antiques.
Mimi enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and watching what they have accomplished. After dad passed, we spent as much time as we could with her to keep her happy so she wouldn't be depressed. In December 2007, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was operated on in February 2008 where they did a colon resection, appendectomy and partial liver removal and exceeded all the doctors' expectations.
Mom then followed up with chemotherapy for the next 3 years and unfortunately the chemo took its toll on her. However, mom gave one hell of a fight and we will always remember her strength and courage throughout her ordeal. Having mom home with pat and I gave us time, at night when she was relaxed, she would tell us stories of when she was growing up, she shared so many happy memories. On Saturday, October 8th we took her for what we didn't know at the time, would be her last trip to the Ocean City Fall Festival, she had such a wonderful time with all her girls. We take comfort in knowing that she's with our dad now. Her last few days she kept telling us that dad was coming for her, how handsome he was, and that he is the total package. It was time to take his hand ,and be with dad., we never wanted to say goodbye,,,,,,So,,,,,,,,We will say good night mom,,,,,we love you ..sweet dreams...
In closing, the family would like to thank her friends in her neighborhood, who have been there for her & dad all these years. They treasured your friendships and loved every one of you. The way you rallied around her when Daddy passed, the help you gave her, and the way you watched over her, We are truly blessed and grateful.
A special Thank You to Denise Rozzelle, who took care of Mom in her final weeks. She quickly became a friend and family member. She went above and beyond her job, befriending my Mom and keeping her comfortable and keeping our family informed. At the most difficult time, she showed us how to say goodbye and we will always be grateful. Thank You Denise.
Finally, the family would like to thank everyone for coming and making it such a beautiful Tribute to our Mom Ruth Gelow.
Candles
John & Carol Harness
2011-10-16 21:55:20
We are so very sorry to learn of your dear Mother's death and want to thank you, Kelly, for calling us. Wish we could be there for you kids. Love and prayers are offered to each of your family.
Cindy Gelow
2011-10-16 23:57:13
In loving memory of you, Mom. You are one of the strongest woman that I've ever known. You've taught me so much in all of the years that I've been a part of your wonderful family. I Love You, and will miss you so very much. Rest In Pardise.
kelly
2011-10-17 12:45:43
Hey Mama,
My heart is just breaking,I know your happy,free of pain an with daddy.I am so grateful for the time we had.You and Daddy would be so proud of us and your grandchildren,and great granddaughters,You both raised an awesome family.
Missing you so much already.
Sweet dreams Mama,I love you!
Anthony G. Salerno, Sr.
2011-10-18 15:25:26
In loving memory of Mimi, who made me feel that I was more that I was a part of her family than an in-law.She will always be in my heart and the wonderful memories we had together.My love and sympanthy goes out to her warm loving and caring children, who make me feel that they're one of my own.
God bless Mimi and and keep her happy with Bob.
Kristina
2011-10-18 19:18:39
I will miss my dear friend and the way she made me feel. Thank you Kelly, Jody & Kim for inviting June and I to your Mom's surprise party a few years ago. She was so thrilled to see us and I'm glad we were there. She always treated me like a daughter and I loved her like a mother. Your Mom was very proud of all of you. She was truly blessed and so were we for having her in our lives. Rest in peace Ruthie . . .
Bruce Dolliver
2011-10-18 22:23:42
My deepest sympathies to all of Ruthes extended family. I worked with Bob for 11 years at Penn until his retirement and now I am retiring from Penn on the 28th. I THANK all of you for sharing Bob with me. I miss him greatly and now will miss Ruthe as well. I loved both of them and am grateful to have known them. May God grant all of you his peace and comfort. 1 Corinthians 13
Rich & Rose Daisey
2011-10-18 22:35:09
You are the most courageous person we've ever known. Your determination to fight with everything you had in you is inspiring. We are proud to be your neighbors and priviledged to be your friends. Our "girls" will miss getting their warm hello from Miss Ruth on their walk and their "Mom" will miss our chats by the window. We love you Ruth!
Jim and Tami
2011-10-19 09:55:02
Allthough we only new Mimi for a realitively short time, she became part of our extended familyand was loved by all. She will be dearly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gelow, Salerno, and Coates family and friends.
Kim
2011-10-19 11:29:03
You took our hand when we were young to guide us though.October 15th at 4:33 was our turn to take your hand to lead you to our father.Love you give daddy a big kiss for us.
Robert W. Beck
2011-10-19 21:13:41
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, such a wonderful and strong Lady! Always loved her Hugs and comedy at the reunion ! Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this very difficult time ! She and your Dad are Hugging now ! Love You All , Cousin Bobby
neil & jamie Clark
2011-10-20 00:11:03
When I first recieved the call that Ruth had pasted away I couldn't believe it, she was such a fighter. Then in a way I was happy, she was fighting for so long, and she really wanted to be with her husband. I was the kid in the neighborhood who use to be screamed at by Ruth all the time.(LOL) My dirt bike and quads would drive her crazy. Then as I got older, we became closer. I eventually married and moved across the street from her. We loved having her as our neighbor. I use to tease her and call her my security system. All you needed to do is go away on vacation and ask her to watch your house, and no worries, when you returned you would be given a log book of dates and times who was at your house or drove past, I loved it. We always enjoyed Ruths company at our parties. I always enjoyed our talks as neighbors, I enjoyed her stories and jokes. I really enjoyed chasing her dog around the neighborhood with her, very funny times. Ruth you will be missed but always remembered. To her family our thougts and prayers are are with all of you! You should all know she loved you each very much, she use to share something with me about each of you during our talks. Her favorite was Friday's for shopping and lunch with Jody. We will all miss her dearly!!
Carol & Artie DiMambro
2011-10-20 01:35:26
Dear Jody, Don & Family, We are very sorry about your mother's passing. Please accept our condolences; you are in our prayers.
Cheryl Henry
2011-10-20 21:15:38
Dear kids,Sorry about your loss.At least you won't have to watch her suffer with Alzeimer's. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Was so glad I could express my sympathy this way since I don't have your addresses.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
Love,
Cheryl Henry {Charlotte Henry' daughter}
Patrick W. Salerno
2011-10-20 22:41:37
Today, we celebrated your life and witnessed the true meaning of "Family". I know your holding Pop's hand and smiling down on each and every one of your children. I Love You Mimi, please watch over all of us !
WAYNE BAKER
2011-10-22 06:14:59
DEAR KIM. SORRY ABOUT THE LOST
OF YOUR MOTHER. I KNOW HOW YOU
FEEL.
kelly
2011-10-22 12:08:54
hey mama,1 week ago today...hope you and pop are having the best time ever!we miss you so much,so a vibrant ,strong force in our lives,,its to quiet...we all just loved you so much! kiss pop,and everyone for me..
Jim and Kelly Van
2011-11-15 02:25:41
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ruth. She was an amazing, strong woman and a great neighbor. Always there for us, so sorry, life gets so busy. Our condolences and love, Jim and Kelly and girls
kelly
2011-11-18 13:58:52
hey mama,
cant believe its been a month already...hope you and pop are having a blast,with nana and the gang..robertson is doing well,,so spoiled and loved ,just like you would want.missing you both everyday..love you mom....kisses to all ,,until we meet again..
kelly
2011-11-24 18:10:56
hey mama,
happy turkey day!sure wish you were here with us...hope your having a blast with everyone,, we miss you all so much!love you mama, sweet dreams...
kelly
2011-12-25 20:40:31
hey mimmers,
your very first christmas with dad...hoping its all you wished it would be..missing you guys every day,it never gets easier..we are all ok,, the kids ,grandkids and the beautiful babies..I love you so much,,kiss pop for me..kelly
kelly
2012-05-13 11:28:03
hey mimmers,, today we are suppose to be at breakfast and shopping for flowers...having forced family fun time...lol..but were not and it sucks!i miss ya so much! i hope and dad are having fun,knowing you are together now,is the only thing that makes it hurt a lil less..happy mamas day mimmers! love you! kiss pop for me...