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Ruth Ann (Wentland) Shawhan, 70, of Clinton, beloved wife of Gary Shawhan, passed away suddenly May 9 at St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven. Ruth was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, on April 3, 1948, the eldest daughter of Richard and Ruth Ann Wentland. She graduated from Andrew Ward High School, class of ‘66 and attended The Berkley Secretarial School in White Plains, NY, in 1967.

Professionally Ruth worked as a secretary at Stauffer Chemical Company in Westport. After taking time to raise her family, Ruth worked at Valentine Interiors, in Clinton as in interior decorator for more than 20 years. Most recently, Ruth worked part-time as a home companion for Companions and Homemakers.

Ruth enjoyed spending time at the beach, especially St. John, Virgin Islands, the casino, and sharing her opinions and giving advice to family and friends. Ruth always had time for a cup of tea. She was a great cook and terrific baker! Most of all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. They all kept her busy!

Besides her husband Gary of 42 years, she is survived by her five children, Bridgett Colvin and her husband Jeff Colvin of Old Saybrook; Rebecca Thurber and her husband Aaron Thurber of Clinton; Katherine LeMonds and her husband Jeremy LeMonds of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Robert Shawhan and his wife Rebecca West of Clarksville, Tennessee; and Peter Shawhan of Clinton.

Ruth had eight grandchildren, Nadia, Garrett, Jonathan, Gabriel, Makayla, Emma, Molly, and Alex. Ruth also leaves two sisters, Judy Lello and her husband Eugene Lello, and Joanne Hegedus and her husband Bruce Hegedus of Fairfield; and two cousins that Ruth considered sisters, Geraldine Mayott and her husband Walter Mayott, and Barbara Dehaba and her husband. She is also survived by many additional cousins and extended family and friends.

Family and friends called on May 16 at the Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main St., Clinton. Burial was private. A reception followed at the Old Saybrook Fire Department Pavilion.