Ruth Stapleton

Ruth Stapleton of Pinehurst, NC passed away at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in the early morning hours of December 26, 2021.  Born in Jersey City, NJ on December 5, 1928, she was adopted by Henry P. and Florence M.J. Schoenberner of Brooklyn, NY.  

In May of 1948 she married her late husband, Robert J. “Bob” Stapleton. They made their first home in Brooklyn where five of their children were born.  In the fall of 1959 they moved to Manhasset, Long Island, and had the last of their six children, all of whom survive her: Kathleen Lavery (James), Stephen Stapleton (Joan), Thomas Stapleton (Judi), Ruthellen Kosloff (James Labartino), Mark Stapleton (Eileen) and Timothy Stapleton (Cindy).  

She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren – Ellen, Colleen, Timothy, John, Kristen, Kerri, Laurina, Christina, Erica, Maggie, Haley, Paul, and Katelyn, whom she loved dearly, as well as eight great-grandchildren – Kiera, Sasha, Jack, Charlotte, Mia, Riley, Stella, and Savannah, all of whom gave her great joy.  

Also surviving Ruth is her sister, Virginia “Cookie” Shutter, who came into her life just three years ago through an Ancestry DNA match.  Due to the COVID outbreak they were only able to have two in-person visits together; in the fall of 2018 when Cookie traveled from her home in Delaware for their first meeting, and again in December of 2018 when she and son David and family came to Pinehurst for Ruth’s 90th birthday celebration. We all feel blessed that they were able to find one another.

Ruth was a loyal member of the Catholic church, which held a place of comfort for her. For many years she was part of the woman’s volunteer guild at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in Pt. Washington, NY. She also enjoyed sewing and crafting, whether it be Christmas dresses for her granddaughters when they were small, or items to sell for charity at the guild bazaars.   

She had a very kind heart, and never met a stranger.  She made many lifelong friends whom she loved fiercely until the end. Ruth enjoyed the simple pleasures, such as sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee and talking to friends, or gathering her family for holidays and dinners. She never met a lobster she didn’t like! She was a great listener, and was a positive person who was accepting and non-judgmental.  She touched the lives of many people, who will always hold a special place for her in their hearts.   

Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Bob, to places like Alaska, Colorado, Florida, and the Caribbean; she was always fond of a good beach! Her family finds comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with Bob after 12 years apart.

Due to COVID, graveside services will be held on Long Island at a later date. She will be buried alongside Bob at St. Charles Cemetery.

Arrangements are being taken care of by Powell Funeral Home.

Condolences may be posted online at pinesfunerals.com