Obituary of Ruth Jensen
Ruth “JoAnne” Jensen (Shellhammer) passed away on April 4, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the age of 88.
JoAnne is survived by her children Allen “Sam” O. Fox of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Karen L. Harrison & partner Richard D. Melini of Woodbury, New Jersey, Robert W. Harrison & wife Alison of Parkville, Maryland; grandson Jeff Nemeroff & wife Amy, and great-grandchildren Mike and Aly Nemeroff of Fox Lake, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her parents John R. and Clara Ann Shellhammer; stepdad Otto M. Shellhammer; husband Robert H. Jensen; sister Virginia ‘Ginny’ Heinen and brothers Ron & Howard Shellhammer.
JoAnne was born on September 24, 1931 in Apollo, Pennsylvania where she was raised on a farm. She moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1948 where she trained to be a manicurist and worked as a car hop. She married in 1952, raised her family while working as a PBX/switchboard operator for several companies. She remained in Baltimore until she retired from Conrail and moved to Etowah, North Carolina. She and her husband moved to Rossmoor, New Jersey in 1996 to be close to family.
Her children remember her as a dedicated, kind, loving, caring, gentle, patient, funny and strong mother who encouraged them to always pursue their goals. JoAnne was always ready for a road trip anywhere and made several cross-county trips with her family. She also enjoyed cruises to Hawaii, Scandinavia and Bermuda. Family genealogy was another passion that she pursued as she volunteered at the LDS Family Research Library in North Carolina.to help others find their ancestors. She enjoyed all types of music, arts, crafts and was an accomplished seamstress.
The family would like to thank Chestnut Hill Lodge in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania for their care these last two years.
Memorial service arrangements will be announced after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are removed.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or send to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Condolences can be made online at Rone Funeral Service or sent to: Family of JoAnne Jensen, 430 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.
ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360
