Ruth G. Varlan, Couture Designer, died December 12, 2018. Born in Denison, Texas, and very proud of being a native Texan, Ruth lived for 95 years in Chester, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Chester High, and then from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) with a degree in fashion design.

The Varlan family owned the Chester Candy Kitchen and Ruth worked there in her youth. She began her fashion career at Nan Duskin in Philadelphia, and then opened her own business designing and manufacturing high end clothing for Garfield, Neiman Marcus, Bonwit Teller and other retailers. She specialized in evening wear and wedding gowns, and designed for a large list of private clients. She was well known for her talent and creativity.

A lifelong passion for the arts and opera led her to begin a second round of creativity in her later years. She took up oil painting, often inspired by the sounds of the operas she loved.

Ruth was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Media, and a founding member of Daughters of Penelope Laodice Chapter #246.

Ruth was predeceased by her sisters, Marian and Calliope, and her brothers Nicholas, Peter and John, as well as her parents, Fily Chorgas Varlan and George N. Varlan. She is survived by her sister in law, Dorothy Stryke, nieces Fily (Marian) Wolczek, Ann (Jack) Schoen, goddaughters, Nephelie Andonyadis and Michelle Scarborough, godson, Andrew Beldecos and many great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her beloved and faithful friends and sisters of her heart, Mary J. Beldecos and Helen J. Beldecos.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 30 E. Forge Road, Media, PA 19063, where relatives and friends may call after 10:00 AM.

Burial: Chester Rural Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the above church