Ruth Shetterly Darlington passed away on December 25, at the age of 89. She lived in Manteca for the last six months. Prior to moving to Manteca, she lived  in Atwater for fifty years.  

Born in Lapel, Indiana, July 31, 1920, she was one of five children of Charles and Elizabeth Shetterly. She graduated from Anderson High School in 1938.  Ruth met Harry Darlington at this time at a YWCA Coed Club and they married on October 18, 1942. She became a military wife for the next 22 years while  Harry flew airplanes for the United States Air Force. While stationed in Salina, Kansas, their only daughter, Anne, was born. In 1959, Harry was assigned to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater where they decided to retire.   

Ruth went to college to become  a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She graduated from Merced College in 1967. She worked for many years in convalescent homes in Merced. Nursing came naturally to her because she tended many sick relatives while growing up. She was proud of the way she was able to give  painless injections.  

Ruth was a cancer survivor. She dedicated many decades to helping the American Cancer Society. She also volunteered her time to help with Habitat for Humanity. Ruth was a member of the Atwater United Methodist Church for almost fifty years and enjoyed worship, lectionary and social activities with  the members there. Ruth loved to play bridge and was active in many bridge clubs. She also enjoyed going to aerobics for many  years. She made beautiful needlework pictures in her free time. Ruth and Harry loved to travel and they took many trips and cruises  all around the world. In later years she continued to learn about distant lands by attending travelogues at Merced College. Ruth  enjoyed her role as grandmother to Daniel and David Talcott. She attended many of their musical and athletic events.   

Mrs. Darlington’s family  wishes to thank the nursing staff at Doctors Hospital of Manteca for  the compassionate care given to Ruth during the last weeks of her life.  

Ruth is survived by Anne and Phil Talcott (daughter and son-in-law), Daniel Talcott and David Talcott  (grandsons), Nancy Shetterly (niece), Wendy Bowman (grand-niece), Mitchell  Shetterly (grand-nephew) and their families.  She was preceded  in death by her husband, Harry, in 1998.  

Mrs. Darlington’s services  are being handled by Wilson Mortuary in Atwater.  A Celebration  of Life service will be held at the Atwater United Methodist Church, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gregory L. Floyd  officiating. She will be laid to rest at Winton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Atwater United Methodist Church, 2550 Linden St., Atwater, CA 95301 or to a charity of your choosing.