Ruth E. Simpson

Ruth Emily Griffith Simpson, 96, formerly of Old Concord, passed away Friday, January 25, 2008, in Manor Care, McMurray. She was born June 23, 1911, in Russellton, a daughter of Sheals and Bertha Myrtle Myers Griffith. Ruth and her husband, James, owned and operated the Mansion House Restaurant in Old Concord. Their son, James Jr., and his wife, Dorothy, became co-owners, and the business was in operation for 50 years. Retiring from the restaurant, Mrs. Simpson operated the Old Concord Gift Shop where she enjoyed painting china and creating porcelain dolls. She had a doll hospital where she “cured” broken dolls. For a woman whose childhood doll was a treasured keepsake, she made those broken dolls as good as new. Mrs. Simpson was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Washington. Surviving are a daughter, Myrtle “Myrt” Creigh of Punta Gorda, Florida; a son, James (Dorothy) Simpson, Jr., of Washington; one brother, Richard Griffith of Amherst, New Hampshire; five grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Her beloved husband, James E. Simpson, Sr., and three brothers, Wilbur, Carl, and Raymond Griffith, preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 16, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Washington Ward Mission, Heartland Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., Washington.