Ruth Ann Shaner, retired executive secretary
Ruth Ann Shaner, 81, of Lewes, formerly of Dover, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
Ruth was born in Harrington, July 21, 1935, daughter of the late Arthur and Elsie (Bailey) Callaway. She was a graduate of Harrington High School Class of 1952. In her adult life, Ruth continued her education by attending the University of Delaware and Wesley College.
At a young age, Ruth began working as one of the original switchboard operators for Bell Telephone then worked as the office manager of Marker's Poultry Farm in Dover. Ruth established a career as the executive secretary to the president of Reichhold Chemical Plant in Cheswold, retiring after over 20 years of service. She then worked as the office manager for Chase Manhattan Mortgage in Dover for 10 years, before retiring completely in 2004. Ruth loved spending time at the beach, eating crabs, getting together with her family and friends as well as trips with her beloved sweetheart, Greg.
Ruth's lifelong dream was to live by the beach. In 2006, she achieved that dream when she moved to the beautiful Baywood Greens community. She was the epitome of beauty and elegance, and will be forever remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Homer "Greg" Shaner in 2014; three brothers, Arthur, William and Franklin Callaway; and two sisters, Marguerite Cooke and Evelyn LeCates. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Christy Dowd (John) of Lewes; a granddaughter, Jamie Bancroft (William) of Gaithersburg, Md.; a stepdaughter, Shelly Hostedler (Richard) of Lincoln; and grandchildren Faith Rentz of Dover and John McMahan (Wendy) of Milford. She is also survived by her twin sister, Kathryn Wilson (Robert) of Smyrna; a sister, Marie Zulkowski (Stanley) of Bear; five great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to the nurses and staff at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, as well as the lovely ladies of Griswolds for their excellent care and kindness.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where the funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. A celebration of life reception will be held at 2 p.m. at Abbott's Grill, 249 NE Front St., Milford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ruth's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
