Ruth E. Clapper, age 95, of Retta, PA and Frostproof, FL passed away on Wednesday afternoon, August 10, 2022 at the The Gardens Nursing Home in Tunkhannock, PA.

She was born on April 14, 1927, the daughter of the late Donald and Marie Evens Hotchkin.  She was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and worked for the Department of Education in Binghamton until her marriage to Donald H. Clapper of Laceyville, PA in December 1948.

Ruth was a member of the Retta Community Church where she was the Financial Secretary for a number of years.  She was a 55+ year member of the Meshoppen Chapter #70 Order of the Eastern Star and also a long-time member of the South Auburn and Shiloh Grange.  For many years Ruth bowled in a league at Shadowbrook in Tunkhannock.

She was a member of the Retta Red Hatters and also the Red Hat Group in her park in Florida.  She was a charter member of the Opti-Mrs. Birthday Club in Meshoppen.

When her children were growing up, she volunteered with their Scout Troops, 4-H groups and helped with Vacation Bible School at her Church.

Ruth enjoyed knitting and making various crafts.  She knitted sweaters, afghans, and more for her family and friends.  She and her daughter, Debbie, sold crafts at local craft shows for many years.  Ruth knitted over 400 sweaters for the "Knit for Kids" program sponsored by Guideposts Magazine.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald H. Clapper (d. January 15, 2007) to whom she was married for 58 years.  She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jill Kavka; her brothers-in-law, Richard Clapper (d. July 6, 1960) and Robert Clapper (d. February 20, 2014); and her sister-in-law, Janice Hammond.

She is survived by her children, Debbie Kavka (Joe) of Lenox, PA, Dave Clapper (Lil) of Retta, PA, and Brenda Kay Cable (Gregory) of Spanish Fort, AL; her grandchildren, Luke Kavka of Aurora, Co, Adam Kavka (Kara) of Retta, PA, and Bethany Kavka of Las Vegas, NV.  Ruth is also survived by her great-grandsons, Miles and Reece Kavka of Retta, PA.

Funeral Services for Ruth will be held on Monday, August 15 at 11:00 AM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 8206 SR 6, Meshoppen, PA 18630 with Lay Minister Vickie Ellis officiating.  Family and friends may call at the Funeral Home on Sunday, August 14 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and also on Monday, August 15 from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's name to the Retta Community Church, 787 Retta Rd, Montrose, PA 18801.