Ruth L. Garrity

Garrity, Ruth L., 91, Richland, formerly of Kernville, died at home in hospice care from complications of a stroke on Nov. 11, 2016. Born in Johnstown, Jan. 12, 1925, and daughter of Arthur H. Sr. and Mary (Palko) James. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Robert E Garrity; and five brothers and four sisters, including, Arthur H. Jr., Russell, Curtis, Alfred, Robert, Florence, Mary, Emma and Leona, all of Johnstown. Survived by daughter, Michele Garrity, formerly of Pittsburgh, currently Johnstown, and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was an amateur gardener, card player and great cook. She loved watching Jeopardy, doing crossword puzzles, and learning how to read books, play music and take photos on her Kindle e-reader. For over 40 years, Ruth and her husband Bob (Red) owned and operated Garritys Groceries in Kernville, located on Franklin Street. In 1970, the store was re-located to the corner of Haynes and Napoleon Streets and renamed Garritys Compact Shopper. Bob and Ruth were an energetic and encouraging part of the community in which they lived and worked, supporting the local sports teams, and providing part-time jobs for area teenagers, many of whom went on to college and successful careers. With the closing of the steel mills, the 1977 flood, and Bobs failing health, the store closed in the 1980s. In her retirement years, Ruth was always surprised when people would recognize her from the store and recall their fond memories of stopping by for penny candy, ice cream sandwiches, and chipped ham. With the passing of Ruth's generation, it is easy to forget that Kernville was once a vibrant neighborhood with many small and medium-sized businesses, beautiful housing and safe streets. Neighborhood boosters and entrepreneurs like Ruth and Bob competed with and supported each others businesses, and prided themselves on meeting their customers needs. Their businesses also helped to grow the city's tax base, and its reputation as a great place to raise families. The family gives special thanks to the nursing staff and therapists at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and Home Health program, the Creighton Center, and the Conemaugh Hospice program, all of whom provided such excellent care and support to Ruth and the family during the last year of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, and The Women's Help Center, Napoleon Street, Johnstown, Pa. Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Geisel Funeral Home, Johnstown, where funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, the Rev. Randy Bain, officiating. Interment, Grandview Cemetery.

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