Ruby Vitkus

DUDLEY – Ruby C. (Clarke) Vitkus, 92, of Dresser Hill Road, died Monday, April 19, 2021, in her home after a period of declining health.  She was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, John Vitkus of Dudley who died in 2019.  She is survived by two children, Allan Vitkus and his wife Sandra of Charlton, and Susan L. Gulkin of Dudley; three grandchildren, Eric Gulkin and his wife Pattie of Dudley, David Vitkus and his wife Aimee of Dudley, and Julie Neri and her husband Scot of Charlton; seven great-grandchildren, Emma and Nathan Gulkin, Owen West, Daniel, Jonathan, and Benjamin Vitkus, and Gianna Neri; and several nephews and nieces.  She was predeceased by five brothers, Harry, George, Theodore, Charles, and Walter Clark; four sisters, Grace Mongeon, Mae Langlois, Anna Wolfenden, and Dorothy Downs; and her son-in-law, Ted Gulkin.  She was born in Charlton, daughter of the late Harry W. and Minnie (Beckwith) Clarke, and lived in Oxford, Charlton, and Florida, before moving to Dudley in 2009.  She graduated from Charlton High School.

Mrs. Vitkus was a representative for Avon for 40 years, retiring in 2000.  She was a Girl Scout leader and involved with the P.T.A. when her children were young.  She hosted weekend gatherings and annual summer family reunions at her home on the lake.  She enjoyed gardening, was devoted to her family, and would always do for others.

The family would like to thank Overlook Hospice and the Visiting Angels, for the exceptional care given to their mother.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  Burial will follow at West Ridge Cemetery in Charlton.  A calling hour will be held on Friday from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.