Ruth Ella (Speer) Jaskol

Ruth Ella (Speer) Jaskol, age 100, of New Haven Court, formerly of Grove City 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 September 1, 1922 in Harrisville, the oldest daughter of the late William Kennedy Speer and late Kathleen Ruth (Hogue) Speer. She grew up on the family farm and reflected on those stories often.  She always surprised people with the fact that Ruth Ella Jaskol 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, New Jersey 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 Healthcare, 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, OH; one brother: Mr. David D. (Andrea) Speer of New Castle, DE; 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 October 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. 

Family and Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Saturday April 29, 2023 at the William F Young Funeral Home 132 Main Street West Sunbury, PA 16061. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Mathias, officiating.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, Ruth Ella would want any donations to be made to the Grove City Public Library % 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 Co. Humane Society % 3005 E. State Street Hermitage 16148. 

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