Catherine Tavani Ruhl

Catherine Tavani Ruhl, 87, of Elsmere, Delaware passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 4, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by faith, love and devotion to her family.  Born in Wilmington on July 21, 1938, she was one of three daughters of the late Henry and Margaret (Frati) Tavani.

Kitty was a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School and began her working career with the Bell Telephone Company.  She later worked in food service, having been employed with the cafeteria staff in local schools and ultimately with St. Francis Hospital, where she enjoyed assisting in the catered events held for the staff doctors. 

Kitty was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish.  She took great pleasure in hosting family dinners and preparing her delicious homemade gravy.  She enjoyed sports, was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Dallas Cowboys, and enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. 

Her husband of 38 years, Grant H. Ruhl, passed away on August 22, 2000. 

Kitty will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons, David Ruhl and wife, Athena, John Ruhl, Charles Ruhl and wife, Tammy; her grandchildren, Jason, Brandon, Demetria, Nicholas, Nathaniel and Alyssa; her great grandchildren, Caleb, Carson and Ryland.  She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Albert Jones; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mark and Shirley Ruhl; several nieces, nephews and their families; and the family dogs, Coco, Zeus, Calli and Dancer.

Kitty adored her grandchildren and held a special place in her heart for their significant others: Shayla Gunter, Tom Heron, Lauren Spencer, Caren Dieglio and Danny Farricielli.

In addition to her husband and parents, Kitty was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Julia “Dolly” and Louis Papili.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19805 on Tuesday, May 12 from 9:30 – 10:45AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, immediately followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kitty may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

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