Ruth Marie Fabek

BOARDMAN - Ruth Marie Fabek, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, June 16, 2018 at The Commons at Greenbriar.

Born December 14, 1928, in Warren, Ohio, she was the only child of Edwin and Mary (Mallenoski) Smail.

Ruth graduated from Struthers High School in 1947 and began working for her mother in the Struthers Bakery. In 1950, she became a secretary in the offices of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube.

On May 16, 1953, she married Mike Fabek and together they raised two daughters. Ruth worked as a homemaker from 1955 until 1973 when she began her 25 year career as a waitress. She became known as possibly the best and eventually the oldest waitress at the Starlight Café, Courtney’s, Isle of Capri, and the Coconut Grove.

After the death of her husband Mike on November 23, 1976, Ruth met George Griffith and in 1987 they made their home together until George’s death on June 12, 2010.

Ruth enjoyed people and adored animals. Throughout her life, she rescued strays of every kind, provided meals and shelter to many people down on their luck, and collected clothing for a local battered women’s shelter.

With an adventurous spirit, she was always ready to engage in any activity. Ruth was gifted with a witty sense of humor and laughed easily and often. Her family and friends cherished her fun-loving personality, as well as her remarkable cooking skills. Later in life she developed a fondness for gardening and was thrilled when her flowers blossomed; eager to show them off to anyone willing to take the tour.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Michele Huston of Boardman, and three grandsons, Michael Huston of Boardman, and Howard and Jimmy Gettings, both of Galion, Ohio.

Among others, Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter Cherie Gettings, who passed away on August 7, 2014.

There will be no service or calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, honor Ruth’s memory with a donation to Angels for Animals, 4750 West South Range Rd, Canfield Ohio 44406.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.