Ruth Emma Shook Kapral Griffin, 78

July 16, 2019

Ruth Emma (Shook) Kapral Griffin of Lititz, Pennsylvania was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on October 4, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Gilbert J. and Vivian R. (Forsythe) Shook. She was the half-sister of Mary Lucile (Albertson) Wilt of Dover, Delaware. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by nieces, nephews, first cousin and first cousin-in-law.
Ruth was married to Rev. Jerry J. Griffin on December 30, 1988 in Corning, New York. Her children are Michael J. Kapral, Jr. (Maureen E.) of Henderson, Nevada; Mary Lynn (Joseph M.) Ahart of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey and Mark D. (Elizabeth C.) Kapral of Annapolis, Maryland.
She was the step-mother of Anne M. (Vincent M.) Kapral of La Mesa, California and John W. (Amy) Griffin of Mooresville, Indiana. Her grandchildren are Katlyn E. and Rachel M. Kapral; Julia E., Robert M. and Jennifer L. Ahart and Aubrey L. Kapral. Her step-grandchildren are Maria C. Kapral and Christopher S. and Kyle J. Griffin.
At 17 she entered the Arnot Ogden Medical Center School of Nursing in Elmira, New York. Her diploma was earned in 1961. This degree served as the foundation for a lifetime of service as bedside nurse, physician’s office staff nurse, college campus nurse, summer camp nurse, staff education nurse, wellness specialist, bereavement facilitator, employee health nurse, trainer of trainers, occupational health nurse and a family service manager/pre-need counselor at a funeral home.
She attained credentials as a registered nurse in New York, Florida and Pennsylvania and from the American Academy of Bereavement. Also, she was a member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling.
Her personal life was embodied in relationships with her family and many long-time friends. In addition, she was a committed member of First Presbyterian Church of Corning, New York. She filled many functions in the life of that congregation as well as in the community. The latter included volunteering for a hospice, membership in the hospital auxiliary, the philharmonic society, Planned Parenthood and the American Red Cross. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers, Salem United Church of Christ in Rohrerstown, Lititz Moravian Church and First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.
She held membership in the Alumni Associations of Williamsport (Pennsylvania) High School Class of 1958 and of the Arnot Ogden School of Nursing. Along with her husband, she received commendation and for the establishment of The Children’s Memory Garden on the campus of HealthPark Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida in Fort Myers. Her recognition included her caring service with bereaved families.
A memorial service will be held on August 10 at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 1 East First Street, Corning, New York, 14830. Burial will follow at Hope Annex Cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, gifts in memory of Ruth be made to Arnot Ogden Medical Center School of Nursing Alumni Association, L. D. Clute Educational Building, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY 14905 or to First Presbyterian Church, 1 East First Street, Corning, NY 14830 or to Golisano Children’s Hospital of SW Florida Children’s Memory Garden, c/o Lee Memorial Health Foundation, P. O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2218. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-560-5100