Obituary of Ruth Robinson

Ruth Grier Robinson of Spring Mills passed away on February 14, 2012, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. Ruth was born on May 23, 1931 in Hartford, CT, the daughter of the late Edward Bosworth Grier and Ruth Phelps Grier. Her husband John "Robbie" Montanye Robinson, Jr. survives her. Her former husbands, Charles Thomas Aikens II and William Ambrose Mason predeceased her. Ruth attended the Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, CT, The Master's School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and Bradford College in MA. In 1953, she married Charles Thomas Aikens II and moved to State College. Ruth enjoyed being involved in community activities. As a young mother she was a Girl Scout leader, served as the first president of the Friends of the Museum of Art at Penn State (now the Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art), was a volunteer with Festival Theatre (now Penn State Centre Stage), served on the Centre Community Hospital Auxiliary Board, and was an early member and president of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Believing that an appreciation for cultural experiences contributes to a life well lived, Ruth recently sent her family on a cultural scavenger hunt to the Frick Collection in New York City. She was passionate about her family, helping stray and rescued dogs, and her cherished second home on Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, also known as The Island, which she lovingly enjoyed with her husband Robbie. Rarely without her needlepoint, Ruth developed this skilled hobby in the early 70's, and it was something she enthusiastically continued throughout her life. Teaching family and friends this beautiful art form over the years, she was a founding member of the Sip and Stitch needlepoint group on Great Harbour Cay. She adorned many family members and friends with personalized needlepoint belts, handbags and pillows. Ruth will be fondly remembered for her warmth, compassion, intellect, sense of humor, and forever reminding all of us to stand up straight. Ruth is survived by her children, Ruth Marr Aikens of Ft. Myers, FL, Caran Spencer Aikens of Boalsburg, Charles "Chip" Aikens, III and his wife Susan, of Bellefonte, and Randolph "Randy" Gitt Aikens, of Spring Mills, step-children, and grandchildren, Ashley Mason Aikens, Charles Robie Aikens, Spencer Griffin Bivens, and Kathryn Ruth Jane Aikens, and step-grandchildren. Her brother Edward Bosworth Grier, Jr. of Madison, CT and many nieces and nephews also survive. Her sisters Parthenia Grier Johnson and Nancy Grier Hamilton predeceased her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828. Visitation with family will be at Koch Funeral Home from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, February 17. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 West Beaver Avenue, State College, PA.