Goldie Donley Rugh

Goldie Cecil  (Donley) Rugh, 82, passed away peacefully July 22, 2012, at her home in Riverview.  She spent her final days surrounded by loved ones.  Goldie was born Dec 5, 1929 to the late parents Herbert and Susie May Donley and graduated from Lincoln High School.

She and husband, the late William Jennings  Rugh II, were married 56 years before his passing in 2008.  The couple had four children, all current Ellwood City residents.  Goldie worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill and the Beaver County Board of Elections.  She was a member of the Riverview Free Methodist Church where she took her children and grandchildren.

In their later years, Goldie and Bill enjoyed retirement by camping together and spending a great deal of time with family and friends.  In her spare time, Goldie enjoyed gardening, building puzzles and quilting, was an avid walker, and was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Although she was both diabetic and had Alzheimer’s, Goldie was able to continue a pleasant life through her sickness.  She was cared for at home and still enjoyed visiting family and making trips around town with her children.  Goldie taught her children that while Alzheimer’s disease affects one’s memory, it can never erase the love in a person’s heart.

Goldie is survived by her four children: William Dennis Rugh (daughter-in-law Shirley Rugh); Diana “Susie” Lowers (son-in-law- Bill Lowers); Judy Clyde; and William “Billy” Jennings Rugh III.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother Edward Donley (sister-in-law Charlene Donley) of Ellwood City, sister Lindy (Donley) Gordon of Florida, sister-in-law Hilda Donley of Ellwood City, brother-in-law Jennings Dean of Sharon, sisters-in-law Betty Donley  and Ann Joan Moczan of Ellwood City, brother-and-sister-in-law Richard and Clara Rugh of Tionesta, along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law John E. Clyde; brothers Leroy Donley who died during World War II, Eugene Donley, Earl Donley and sister-in-law Christine Donley, brother Robert Donley; sister Shirley (Donley) Dean; and brothers-in-law Thomas Gordon and Joseph Moczan.

Friends and Family will be received today, July 24 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.  Friends will also be received on Wednesday from  10 a.m. until the time of the  funeral service at 11 a.m at the funeral home.  Goldie will be laid to rest next to Bill at North Sewickley Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.marshallsfh.com