Ruth Collman

Ruth E. Sherwood Bostaph Collman age 95, of Fairview, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at her residence.  

She was born at St. Marys Hospital in Buffalo, NY on September 3, 1925 a daughter of the late Frank W. Sherwood & Loretta Loeffel Sherwood.  In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her sister Grace R. Kramer.  Her ex-husband Marion Patrick Bostaph, Robert D. Collman & a stepson David J. Collman.

Ruth grew up in Arcade, New York and attended Arcade Schools.  In fact when a beloved music teacher was unjustly fired, Ruth along with the rest of the student body walked out of school in protest.  Also noted Ruth is the great-great- granddaughter of Silas Meech, the town’s founder.  After the family farm was burned they moved into town to 395 W. Main St.  Like many of the greatest generation Ruth went to work for the war effort.  She worked in an airplane plant cleaning & repairing the bombers for their return to the war.

The family moved to Kane, PA in the early 40’s where she met & married Marian Patrick Bostaph.  She work at many jobs including but not limited to the Arcade Restaurant, Temple Pharmacy, Archers News and managed the Artwell Dress Shop.  While work and raising a daughter, she managed to also be a Girl Scout Troop Leader.  Those camping trips were a hoot!

In 1968 she married Robert D. Collman & moved to Erie & into a family of 7 stepchildren.  Coming from a small town where you could walk anywhere, Ruth at the age of 44 finally had to learn to drive. 

She worked at Eckerd Drug, where she earned several certificates from companies like Revlon & Coty for completing their cosmetology training courses.

The family would like to especially thank UPMC Family Hospice-Erie, Kristen La Cross, Casey Dornhoefer & Danielle Santini for their support & loving care of Ruth on her final days.

Survivors include her daughter Donna Bostaph of Erie, two nieces Stephany Kramer of CA & Melany Kramer.  A nephew Kevin Kramer (Terry) also of CA. 

Six step children Bob (Kathie) Boston, MA, Nancy Donnelly (Chuck) of Erie, Joan Rosenthal (Wil) of Waterford, Kevin Collman, Erie, Cathy Collman, Erie, Beth Collman (Terry Shaw) of Tennessee.  Six grandchildren & five great-grandchildren.

Ruth loved the many cats & other critters she came across over the years King Tut, Chessie, Tori & Bingo are a few of her cats.  Ruth was an avid reader but especially liked Westerns & Mysteries.

Arrangements are under the care of the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, 3801 W. 26^th Street, Erie, PA 16506.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com