Ruth F. Elton

On October 26th, 2023, Ruth Florence Naomi Elton (nee: Lingle) went home to join her loving husband, John. Ruth was 102 years old.

Born in Pennsauken, NJ, Ruth was the daughter of the late Florence Beideman Powell and Daniel Webster Lingle. She was the beloved wife of the late John H. Elton, Sr. Dear mother of Ruth Ann Kozlek and the late John H Elton, Jr. Mother-in-law of Elaine Elton. Loving grandmother of Tanya Kozlek, John H. Elton III, Michael Elton, Nanette Plummer, Antoinette Snyder and Suzette DeMarchi. Loving great grandmother of 11. “Nanny” to her little fur baby, Eloise.

Ruth is a direct descendent of Richard and Charity Chew Powell. She is the oldest living member ever of New Jersey’s old Powell Family noted for its extreme selfless contribution to the American Revolution. Ruth proudly served one term as President of the Powell Family Reunion.

 Ruth lost her father at the young age of 16 and followed her mother into healthcare and nursing. In her early years, she worked as a nurse and ran her mother’s nursing home – The Merchantville Convalescent Home – on Centre Street. After her husband retired, Ruth and John moved to Ocean City where they enjoyed hosting many a party of friends and family at their home. Ruth enjoyed working the Train Gate at the Atlantic City Race Course in the summers meeting owners, trainers, jockeys and celebrities. She was also known to many who frequented the 55th Street Wawa where Ruth worked for many years. Ruth finally retired from her job as a medical receptionist at the “young” age of 95. Ruth was known by many for her love of decorating and entertaining. She was extremely close with her sister Jane and all of her sisters- in-law who enjoyed many fun get togethers, lunches and shopping excursions. Ruth was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star – Athene Chapter #201 formerly Crescent Chapter #55.

Thank you to special friends Cameron “Miss Pinky” Young, Charlene Ottaviano, Helena Hubbard, Dennis Merrigin, Vitality Hospice and Mrs. Elton’s niece Barbara for helping brighten her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing from 10 am to 11 am on Tuesday, October 31st at the Gaskill-Brown Funeral Home, 33 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville. Funeral service and Eastern Star Service will follow at 11 am. Interment will be in Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 166 Caranza Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088.

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