Our aunt, Ruth Stanton Flanders, is busy telling her many stories to a whole new audience. For years, we heard, often many, many times, the adventures of her tomboy youth in Macon Georgia. The story of Uncle Bob proposing to her, on one knee in a church choir loft, brought tears to our eyes. The many adventures they shared traveling throughout the world were a definite part of her repertoire. Their travels became more frequent after their retirement from RESA in Griffin Georgia, where they had lived most of their lives when they bought a large motorhome and found new places – and old – to explore in the US. There were many stops in Wisconsin to visit family, any time they were near family – and by near, I mean within 500 miles – they would make a side trip to visit.
During her 97 years of living, Ruth took on many roles. She was a faithful daughter, caring for her mother for many years until Ruth was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Flanders in 1958. She was a loving sister (most of the time) to her siblings, Clarence Hayden, Margaret, and John. And we can all testify, that she was a much-loved and unique aunt.
In 2018, she was welcomed into the household of her devoted niece, Martha Fabiano. Martha's husband Dan loved to tease her and bring a smile to her face. She loved being with the family, especially the dogs. She had a lifelong love of dogs and even recently, looking at pictures from her youth, she instantly recognized Butch, her childhood dog.
Ruth passed peacefully at Martha and Dan's home on Wednesday, August 10.
She was greeted when she passed by her husband, Robert, her parents, Clarence and Florence Stanton, her brother Clarence Hayden and her sister Margaret.
She will be forever missed by her brother, Reverend John R. Stanton, nieces and nephews – Cynthia (Michael) Burnes, Elizabeth (Dale) Kostelny, Ruth (Bob Gosselin) Schall, Mark (Beth) Schall, Linda Strom, Mary (Scott) Wick, Martha (Dan) Fabiano, Glen Underwood, Ann (Walter) Gary, Sara (Lee) Russell as well as many great-nieces/nephews and friends.
Graveside services will be held on August 20 at Northview Cemetery, 1225 N Franklin St, Dublin, GA. Visitation will be at 12:30 with services to follow.
The family expresses our gratitude to Sulaine for the love, companionship, and care she gave to our aunt. She was kind, patient, and tender and our Aunt loved that and her!
All of the family members would like to say thank you to the Fabiano's for their excellent and loving care of Aunt Ruth. She lived with security, gentle care, and love. Martha and Dan opened their home, changed their lives, and shared all to give her a loving and secure home. Our deepest gratitude to them.
