Joanne Elizabeth (Regis) Ruby of
Butler, PA, passed away surrounded by her loving family at
her sister's home on Friday July 22, 2011 in Montgomery, NY.
The daughter of the late Joseph A.
Regis and Ruth E. Craig Regis, she was born June 20, 1943 in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was pre-deceased by both her
parents and her brother, Rex E. Regis.
Joanne was raised in Foxburg, PA
and maintained a life long appreciation of her scenic
hometown. She graduated from Clarion State University with a
Bachelors of Education degree in Elementary Education and
enjoyed a long and dedicated career as an elementary and
gifted education teacher in the New Wilmington PA Schools.
In addition, she taught one year in Socorro, New Mexico.
Joanne received a number of letters during her illness from
former students who remembered her as a favorite teacher who
made learning fun through creative activities and some
students wrote to tell her that she inspired them to pursue
careers as educators. After retiring from teaching, she
worked as a librarian at the Foxburg Free Library and at the
Prospect Free Library. She also enjoyed participating in a
radio book review program. Joanne continued her own
education through various pursuits such as studying
literature, guitar, philosophy and religion, and Sumi-e Art
Classes and travelling.Joanne lived life with a sense of
adventure, gusto and energy which prevailed through her
illness. She made friends wherever she went, had a large and
forgiving heart, and demonstrated great courage in her
battle with cancer. She was devoted to her family and was a
wonderful aunt to her nephews whom she showered with great
affection. She will remain an inspiration to all of us and
our love for her is eternal..
Survivors include her sister,
Sandra L. Regis and her brother-in-law Mark Guido of
Montgomery, NY; beloved nephews, Drew and Matt Guido of
Montgomery, NY; Aunt, Dorothy Regis of Perry, NY; many
supportive cousins; a large number of friends who gave her
frequent reminders of their concern and care; and her
special dog, Bo.
A Memorial
service will be held on Saturday, July
30, 2011 at Noon, at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home Inc.,
124 East North St. Butler, PA with Pastor Chris Easton of
Butler Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will be
private.
In lieu of flowers, it is Josie's
request that donations be made in her memory to either the
Smile Train, P O Box 96211, Washington, DC 20090-6211 or the
Foxburg Free Library, 31 Main St., Foxburg, PA 16036;
Prospect Free Library, 357 Main St., Prospect, PA 16052; or
the Butler Free Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA
16001.
