She was born and grew up in Middleborough, the daughter of the late Arthur & Nellie (Gurney) Shanks.  Ruth attended public schools and graduated from Middleborough High School, Class of 1967.  For many years, she worked in the medical billing departments at various hospitals including Saint Luke's Hospital in Middleborough, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and South Shore Hospital in South Weymouth, retiring in 2014.  Ruth loved time spent at the beach, seashores, and especially visiting Ogunquit, Maine.  She was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. 

 

Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Alfred J. Costa, Jr.; cherished fiancee of Donald Mackiewicz of Lakeville; loving mother of Bill Costa of Fairhaven and Tammy Costa of Middleborough; adored grandmother of Hannah Rose, Nathan Costa, Corey Costa and great-grandmother of Selah Rose; and dear sister of Carol Shurtleff of Taunton, David Shanks of Middleborough and Leona Hanson of Greensboro, North Carolina.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

 

Family and friends are welcome to the visiting hours at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak Street, Middleborough, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

 

All are invited to gather at the Ashley Funeral Home, Middleborough, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by Ruth's funeral Mass of Christian Burial at the Holy Apostles Parish, Our Lady of the Lake Church, 575 Monponsett Street, Route 58, Halifax, at 11:00 AM.

 

Interment will follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Wood Street, Middleborough.

 

For online condolences and directions, visit www.ashleydrolettefuneralhome.com