Ruth Paul Katherman

YORK – Ruth Paul Katherman, born June 17, 1926, in York, died Sunday, March 24, 2013. The only daughter of the late James P. Paul, M.D. and Velma McKay Paul, she was preceded in death by her eldest son, Walter Paul Katherman, and her three brothers, James M. Paul, M.D., Richard C. Paul, and Robert Paul. Mrs. Katherman is survived by one daughter, Margaret (Maggie) Ruth Druck, and two sons, James Robert Katherman and his wife, Carolanne, and R. Elliot Katherman and his wife, Kathy, 15 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Following graduation from York Collegiate Institute, Mrs. Katherman earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 1946, and a Master’s of Science in school/clinical psychology from Millersville University. She began teaching at York College in 1961, where she enjoyed teaching psychology to thousands of students over the next 35 years, retiring in 1996, as an Associate Professor. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Katherman was a licensed clinical and school psychologist and maintained a part-time practice providing services to Children Services, Dept. of Vocational Rehab, Catholic Social Services, Pa. Dept. of Corrections, and numerous regional police departments for lethal weapons testing. Active over the years in many civic causes, she volunteered in the York County Mental Health Associates, United Way, LA Sertoma, York Arts Council, Red Cross, Junior League, York College Alumni Association. Her proudest and most rewarding contribution began in 1975 with the collapse of Viet Nam when she volunteered many months helping Vietnamese refugees find new lives in America. Many of the grateful recipients maintained lifelong relationships with her. Her proudest lifetime achievement, however, were her four children. Raising four young children as a divorced single parent in the 50’s and 60’s, with no assistance from an absent father, she ensured that all four graduated from college and all went on to earn advanced degrees in law and education. During retirement, she tended to her backyard flower and pond gardens, fussed over her pets, and frequently traveled to her beloved Williamsburg, VA, with her dear friend, Pris Concino. Voracious reading and daily crossword puzzles kept her keen mind sharp and active. She was blessed with independent living up to age 84 years. Mrs. Katherman and her family extend deepest appreciation to her end-of-life helpers – John Sanstead, M.D. (thanks for your excellent care, patience, encouragement and sometimes exasperation!), Ena Stewart, Scarlet Miller, Susan Jacques, and the staff at Kingston Manor for making her last years as full and comfortable as possible. Being a lifelong animal lover and supporter of animal welfare causes, Mrs. Katherman requests any memorial contributions be made to the York SPCA, 3159 N. Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17406. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York. A visitation will be held from 9-10:00 AM. Interment will be private.