Obituary of Ruth Chalker
In Loving Memory of Ruth Chalker
It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Ruth Chalker. Saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish is always difficult, but that is what we must do.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Ruth departed on November 28, 2023, at the age of 94 (five weeks shy of 95). She was born in Plains, Pennsylvania, and moved to New Jersey after marrying her husband, Dave. After a brief time living in Plainfield and Warren, New Jersey, Ruth, and her family moved to Watchung, where she lived for the past 70 years.
Ruth was an active member of Wilson Memorial Church, where she was a member of the church’s Ladies Guild (now Women of Wilson). Her greatest and most dedicated volunteer service opportunity was given to the church’s thrift shop – The Frippery. In addition, she volunteered to help with Starfish, a food insecurity program. Ruth was also a member of the Watchung Firemen’s Ladies Exempt Auxiliary.
A devoted mother, Ruth cherished the time she spent with her family, always making them her first priority. Equally important to her were the friendships she developed while volunteering and being a member of organizations like the Ladies Exempt Auxiliary, Ladies Guild, the Watchung Seniors, and the Red Hat Society. Her friendships were mutually supportive, and laughter was always a given. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and most days, she could be found working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Ruth is survived by her son, David Chalker of Milton, WA, and her two daughters, Gwen Chalker of Watchung, and Dorothy Malfatone of Basking Ridge (husband Mark). She was blessed with four grandchildren: Sara Chalker of Puyallup, WA; Melissa Chalker of Seattle, WA; Katie Sexton of Chandler, NC (husband Aaron); and Jacob Malfatone of Flanders, NJ (wife Fabi). She is also survived by three great-grandchildren. Ruth has now been reunited with her beloved husband, Dave, her two sisters, Betty Lang Whitham and Hilda Deats, her sister-in-law Betty Knappman, and her many departed friends once again.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life memorial service on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11:00AM that will take place at Wilson Memorial Church, located a 7 Valley Road, Watchung NJ, 07069
In our hearts, her memory will always be kept.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name may be made to Wilson Memorial Church, on the memo line – The Frippery/Ruth C or to Willson Memorial Church, memo line - Starfish/Ruth C. Donations should be mailed to Wilson Memorial Church, 7 Valley Road Watchung, NJ 07069
