Obituary of Ruth Doherty

A remarkable life ended on Tuesday, April 1 2014 when Ruth Wooten Doherty died surrounded by 3 generations. She was 101. Born on Nov,14, 1912 in Pen Argyl, PA, she was the daughter of Arthur and Rose Wooten. When both of her parents died before Ruth was 8 years old, she showed early signs of the strength, courage and determination that have been part of her character. She was separated from her two brothers and placed with relatives in Easton, PA. Despite hardship and difficulties, she made a new life for herself in Easton which she called "home" for 80 years. In 1935, she married John Doherty, the love of her life. Together for 53 years, they raised 4 children, participated in Church life of St Jane's in Wilson Boro and owned the iconic Carmelcorn Shop for 50 years in the Circle of downtown Easton. When John died in 1988, Ruth continued to be active with her ever expanding family, attending graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and baking and sending her famous chocolate chip cookies. She traveled to visit family and stayed intensely interested in the world around her. As the new century began in 2000, Ruth started a new life in Wyckoff, NJ to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. On becoming a centenarian in 2012, she was the guest of honor at several celebrations. In these later years the telephone was her most important lifeline, keeping her connected to everyone who loved her. During her last year, caregivers at Mill Gardens at Midland Park and Valley Hospice provided Ruth with loving attention and assistance. Ruth is survived by four children: Janet Gibbons (Francis) in Vero Beach, FL; Joan Page (Larry) in Miami, FL; Donna Sullivan (Joseph) in Wyckoff, NJ and Richard Doherty (Michaela) in Miami, FL, 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and many neices, nephews and friends. Ruth was predeceased by her husband John, her brothers Carl Wooten and Roy Bowers and her grand-daughter, Beth Page. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM only at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth's Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contribution's in Ruth's memory may be made to the pro-life organization Lifenet, P.O. Box 1800, Montclair, NJ 070425 (www.lifeneteducation.org)