Geraldine R. Templeton

Geraldine Ruth Templeton (known to all as Ruth) went to her eternal rest on June 10, 2021 at the home of her daughter (Barbara Germana) in Port Charlotte, FL. Ruth was born on February 23,1923 in Seward, PA, the daughter of George and Myrtle Braun and grew up in Youngstown, OH where she graduated from Struthers High School in 1941.

Ruth married her childhood sweetheart (Russell Templeton) on June 17,1944 in Texas while Russ was serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon Russ’s discharge from the Army, they set up housekeeping in Cleveland, OH, later moving to Seven Hills, OH where they raised their family.

Upon Russ’s retirement, Ruth and Russ relocated to sunny Rotonda West, FL in 1980. After Russ’s death in 2000, Ruth subsequently settled into a “mother-in-law” suite at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Port Charlotte, FL where she enjoyed being surrounded by family until her death.

Ruth is survived by her son Thomas (Mary Erlenborn) in San Diego, CA, her daughter Barbara Germana (Timothy) in Port Charlotte, FL, her son James (Debra) in North Port, FL. and her daughter-in-law Mary Ann Templeton of Venice, FL. She is also survived by grandchildren Timothy Germana (Carol) of Port Charlotte, Dawn Perry (Edward) of Port Charlotte, Tamara Wilcoxson (Chad) of St. Charles, MO, and Jeffrey Templeton (Shelby Beach) of North Port, as well as seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, son Jerry in 2016 and sister Betty Leeper in 2014.

Before her children arrived, Ruth was employed as a secretary at Arthur G. McKee & Co. where Russ and her father also worked. Later, during her children’s adolescence, she found the time and energy to supplement the family income as a secretary to the chief of the Seven Hills Police Department.

Ruth’s primary focus throughout her life, though, was the love and support of her family and many friends. She and Russ shared an especially close friendship with former next-door neighbors in Cleveland, Dorothy and Charles Brown, enjoying travel with them on many occasions.

Ruth leaves behind a legacy of love, caring and positivity to her family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her during her 98 years on this earth.

Memorials may be directed to Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte which assisted Ruth in her final months.

Lemon Bay Funeral Home in Englewood is in charge of arrangements with a memorial service planned for an undetermined date.