Ruth Gardner

Mrs. Ruth L. Collett Gardner, 99, of Davidson died on December 20, 2018. 

She was the daughter of Susana and George Gardner of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ruth was born January 13, 1919 in Greenfield, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Ruth graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in her hometown. In 1942, she married Daniel Thomas Gardner.

During Daniel’s service with the United States Arm, during WWII, Ruth had the opportunity to travel and live overseas. This fostered a love of travel in her later years and Ruth traveled extensively enjoying everything along the way.

In 1954, Ruth became the Director of Personnel at the O’Neil Company, later to be known as the May Company in Lorain, Ohio where Dan was Principal of Lakeview School. Before retiring from her position at the May Company, Ruth had become the Operations Manager for the Lorain store. Dan died in 1971 and in 1980 Ruth moved to Davidson, NC to be near her long time friends Scotty and Peter Nicholls. Davidson College was her choice for a new vocation and she worked in the Davidson College book store until 2000, when she took her second retirement. She missed her involvement with the students and many friends at the college, but became involved with her community, church, and may bridge clubs. Ruth was a member of Davidson College Presbyterian Church, the Church Women’s Circle #1, and the Business Women’s Club.

During her second retirement, Ruth was able to travel to France, Austria, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and across the United States. Ruth was an avid sports fan for all things Davidson College.

Ruth will be truly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Ruth is survived by nieces Elizabeth Mathews of Greenfield, Pittsburg, PA, and Nancy Morrison of Pittsburg, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan;  brother, Jack Collett, and nephew David Collett, both of Pittsburg, PA.

Arrangements are under the directions of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC. A graveside service will be held at Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Amherst Ohio at a later date.

Ruth would have wanted to thank the staff at the Pines at Davidson for the many years of care and concern.

In lieu of flowers, memorial and contributions may be made to Davidson College Presbyterian Church.