Ruth Madeline Franklin

Ruth Franklin

Ruth Madeline Franklin, 97, passed away with grace July 23, 2009. Ruth was born January 18, 1912, in Benton, PA, the daughter of Levi and Edith Sutliff. She had two siblings, Bea Ridall and Arthur Sutliff.

Ruth Sutliff married Richard Franklin, June 21, 1933 and bore two children, Sheldon and Connie Mae. The family moved to Grover, PA., where Ruth assisted her husband in managing the Koontz Creamery and Eastern Milk Producers Company for 25 years. She and Dick retired to Cape Coral, Florida in 1977.

Ruth Franklin’s life was focused on her husband, her children and her church. Ask anyone who knew her to describe Ruth’s greatest attribute, and the universal response would be “love”.

Until her debilitating stroke in 2005, Ruth was active in her church, Cape Coral First United Methodist Church, and amazed her friends with her daily energetic walks, often attaining 5 miles each day.

She was a life-long NY Yankee fan, but promptly added the Atlanta Braves to her support list after her move to the 33904 zip code. Following her illness, Ruth avidly endeavored to restore her health at the Cape Coral Rehabilitation Center , quickly becoming that facility’s poster-patient for friendliness, strength and perseverance.

Ruth Franklin was a life-long member of the First Methodist Church and Eastern Star #71, Canton, PA, and White Shrine, Williamsport, PA.

Ruth now shares eternity with her beloved husband, Dick, and her cherished son, Sheldon. She is survived by her daughter Connie and husband Doc Porter of Longmont, CO.; her granddaughter Stephanie and husband Kyle Niemela, great-grandsons Rowan Porter Niemela and Tate Franklin Niemela of Jaffrey, NH.; granddaughter Celeste and husband Scott Slade of Deerfield, NH.; brother-in-law Fred Long of Cambra, PA ,many nieces and nephews, and wonderful Florida and Pennsylvania friends.

Services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Cape Coral First United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM.

Donations may be made to: The Asbury Class at the Cape Coral First United Methodist Church 4118 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Arrangements by the Metz Chapel of Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Homes and Crematory, Cape Coral where online condolences may be made at www.metzfuneralhome.com.