Obituary of Ruth E Spellman

Ruth E. Spellman (nee Davis), of Wanaque Reserve, formerly a long time resident of Pompton Plains, NJ and a summer resident of Southampton Shores, NY passed on July 21, 2022 at 89 years young. She was born in Philadelphia to RIchard and Viola Davis. Her family moved to Bayside, NY when she was two. Ruth was a 1954 graduate from Gettysburg College and a Phi Mu sorority sister. It was at college that she met her future husband Donald Spellman.

Ruth was the ULTIMATE volunteer for numerous civic, community, political and religious organizations. Never seeking attention, Ruth would find it boorish to list her lifelong achievements and awards.

Ruth had a zest for life. Until her recent illness Ruth took and taught continuing education classes through The Center for Life Long Learning. She was a voracious reader, belonged to 2 book clubs and several bridge groups. Never fearing a challenge, Ruth learned to zoom at 86 so as not to let Covid interfere with her activities, responsibilities or holidays.

When asked to describe their grandmother her grandchildren whom she adored responded: strength, beauty, grace, poised, elegant, sharp, driven, ambitious, generous, independent, charismatic, innovative, strong willed, compassionate, a girl boss, style icon, devoted, reliable, sincere, loving, kind, supportive, empowering, intellectual, great laugh, grounded voice and words, brilliant, majestic, powerful, inspirational, irreplaceable.

She is survived by her five children: Donald (Ah Ling), Pamela, Garrett (Mary Kathleen), Karen Cachion (Richard), Kimberly Quigley (James); nine grandchildren, Jonathan, Genevieve, Carter, Sarah, Lindsay (Kody), Rebecca, Richard, Liam and Dylan; her sister in-law, Linda Davis Haver; her nieces, Barbara, Amanda and Carrie; and her nephew, Richard. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Don; her sister, Jean; her brother in-law, Jack; her twin brother, Thomas; and her daughter in-law, Mary.

Ruth taught by example the importance of selflessness and service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pequannock Twp. Library, 477 Newark Pompton Tpke, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or First Reformed Church, 529 Newark Pompton Tpke., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. In addition, the family is setting up “The Ruth E. Spellman Scholarship” to be awarded annually to a Pequannock Township High School graduate who exemplifies and demonstrates selfless service to her community. Details to follow. 

A Celebration of Life will take place on July 26, 2022 at 10 am at the First Reformed Church, Pompton Plains.