Ruth Griebel Patton passed away in Rockland, Massachusetts, on Monday, June 12th, after a short period of failing health. Ruth was born in Springfield Dock, Long Island, New York, on January 1, 1923 to Alfred and Matilda Griebel. Ruth spoke often of her childhood on the docks, swimming to the store and watching holiday parades boat by her home.

Ruth's life was dedicated to her love of God, and when she met Jay Patton at church and he told her of his aspiration to become a pastor, she knew she had met her future husband. Ruth often said the happiest day of her life was when she married Jay on September 2nd, 1944. Together they served the Lord in many Nazarene churches, Jay as pastor and Ruth as choir director, including New York City, Dover, New Jersey, Endicott, New York, and Skowhegan, Maine. They also ran the Freeport Camp in Long Island for many years, where their boys, Stephen and James, spent happy childhood summers.

Together, Ruth and Jay attended Eastern Nazarene College and years later, after Reverend Patton's retirement, they moved back to Quincy. After her husband passed, Ruth had the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land and walk in the steps of Jesus. This was another highlight of her life. In Quincy she became an active participant in many ENC activities. Ruth was a member of the South Weymouth Nazarene Church, where she sang at many services with her good friend, David Rouse. Ruth's favorite expression, and a motto she lived by is "The best is yet to come."

Ruth is survived by Her two sons, Stephen of Carver and James of Rockland, his wife Susan, five grandchildren, Stephen, Robin, Sean, Kimberley and Kristena, and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her niece Ruth and her husband Jim, her good friend Ada, and her roommate Sally, who took such good care of her in her last months.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the South Weymouth Nazarene Church. Ruth will be laid to rest at the Patton family plot in Manchester, Connecticut.

The Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.