Naomi Ruth Shuman

Naomi Ruth (“Ruth”) Shuman, 89, passed peacefully on December 16, 2025, after a period of declining health. She was born on June 6, 1936, the youngest child of John Hance and Ollie Virgie (Jarvis) Bourne, and spent most of her life in Fairmont, West Virginia, where she established close community and church affiliations.

Ruth married Stanley L. Shuman, and they were married for 38 years, until his passing in 1993. Stanley served in the United States Navy as GM3 during the Korean War and is entombed at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown, West Virginia.

During her working years, Ruth was employed at the Westinghouse Electric plant near Fairmont, West Virginia—historically recognized as the largest fluorescent glass manufacturing facility in the country. She worked in quality inspection, contributing to the reliability and consistency of lighting products used nationwide. She remained through the facility’s transition to North American Philips and retired from the plant following that acquisition.

Ruth was a member of Trinity Assembly of God in Fairmont, West Virginia, where she participated in Women’s Ministry and served for a time as a Sunday School teacher. She appreciated worship services and was known for singing hymns enthusiastically during congregational worship. She also enjoyed gathering with friends following church services and frequently joined others for meals after worship. In her later years, she found comfort in hymn music, often through a small musical church figurine that played familiar hymns.

Ruth was the mother of Deborah Ciesla, and former mother-in-law to the late John Ciesla. She was the grandmother of Gabrielle (Ben) Baker and Jared (Emily) Ciesla, and enjoyed following the lives and milestones of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, frequently sharing updates and expressing pride in their accomplishments. She was the great-grandmother of four: Isabella Baker, Eliza Baker, Thomas Ciesla, and William Ciesla.

Those who knew her well will recall her distinct mannerisms and recognizable sense of style. She was known for signaling when something needed attention—such as tapping her wedding ring against a coffee cup when she wanted a refill. She was also remembered for her signature green velour tracksuit, often paired with coordinated handbags and gold-toned shoes, creating a look uniquely hers. She also loved bananas and biscotti, and her family made sure she was always well supplied with both—items that remained her reliable favorites.

In recent years, Ruth often reflected on her Christian faith and the promise of eternal life. She had previously spoken with her dear friend, Patty Vasicek, before Patty’s passing, and they shared the belief that a joyful heavenly celebration awaited those who entered glory. Ruth expressed that she would join that celebration in her own time, reunited with the many loved ones who went before her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Stanley L. Shuman; her brothers Dana Bourne and Darrel Bourne; her sisters Mildred Smith, Leona Stocker, and Elsie Cole; and a special nephew, Robert Lee Cole. Surviving are a niece who was more like a sister, Jeanette McCoy, and her husband, Walker McCoy.

In her later years, Ruth resided at Lorien Assisted Living in Mount Airy, Maryland, where she received compassionate and attentive care, and her needs were well supported by staff throughout her time there.

Arrangements were entrusted to Stauffer Funeral Home for the return trip to Ruth’s beloved home of West Virginia. Visitation will be held at the Chapel of Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown, West Virginia, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Stanley L. Shuman, on Monday, December 22, 2025. Public visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., followed by brief remarks and prayer beginning at 1:15 p.m. Services will conclude by 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Young at Heart Ministry of Trinity Assembly of God in care of Deborah Starn. Donations can be made online at www.tagchurch.org/give and select the Young at Heart fund.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”

– 2 Timothy 4:7-8