Ruth Kula

Ruth Marie Sanford Kula, 87, passed peacefully at Saint Mary’s East on July 12, 2018, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“I will be the little things that you will remember, the lunch dates, the sleepovers, the pies and the candies, the evening phone calls sharing everyone’s news and all the smiles and the laughter. Although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of me and all these little things that help push away your pain and bring the smiles back again…the smiles I cherished from each and every one of you.”

Ruth was born on May 20, 1931 in Franklin, PA. She was the daughter of the late Wilbur (Pappy- Doodlebug) and Ila Huffman Sanford.

Ruth retired from Millcreek Community Hospital in 2001. She spent the last 17 years of her life loving her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Duba”. She loved them all fully and deeply. Ruth was devoted to spending time with her grandchildren. She was the "traveling Grandma," staying days to weeks with each of her children's families, creating memories that will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Kula, a sister, Barb Shonka, a brother, Ira Sanford, and a great grandson, Levi Kula.

She is survived by her three loving children Joe Kula and his wife Judy, Judy Zdunski and her husband David, and Nancy Kula; eight grandchildren, Greg (Stacey) Kula, Julie (Eric) Saraceno, Phil (Beth) Kula, Sara (Jeff) Baker, Jennifer Zdunski, Brian (Nicole) Wethli, Josh Wethli and Matt Wethli; ten great grandchildren, “her boopers”, Jared, Rachel, Brynn, Brooke, Kendall, Owen, Addison, JD, Tucker and Everley. She is further survived by five sisters, Faye Young, Martha Kula, Mary (Charlie) Kibbe, Shirl Mori, Helen (Bill) Fries, one brother, Bill Sanford and many nieces and nephews. 

Ruth will be deeply missed beyond measure, from her huge smiles, her great big hugs and her funny expressions. She was an absolute blessing to anyone who knew her. She lived her life with love, hope and grace and made the world a better place.  Ooopdadoodleladlelay Duba... 

Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie. 

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Children's Miracle Network, 205 W. 700 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84101.