DOVER - Ruth Hoffrage, 73, of Dover, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on May 6, 2011, following complications from surgery. She was born May 1, 1938, in Stuttgart, Germany, where she was raised during World War II. After meeting Ernest 'Ernie' Hoffrage, who was a member of the United States Army stationed in Germany, she married and moved to Patchogue, N.Y. She and Ernie originally moved to Dover in 1970 to launch an establishment of Carvel Stores. She later started an interior decorating business, hanging wallpaper for many clients in the area. In addition to being a devoted, loving mother, Oma, grandma and great-grandma, she was a committed companion and friend. Ruth was a member of the Clowns of Delaware. She enjoyed shopping and bowling. Ruth was predeceased by Ernest Hoffrage; sons, Bobby and Eddie Hoffrage; and her parents/two brothers who remained in Germany. Survivors include her companion of 22 years, Jesse Gasper; three children, Ralph (Patty) Hoffrage of Delaware, Lorraine Hoffrage of California, and Wendy (Scott) Duncan of Texas; five grandchildren, Paul (Tamie Lavender) Friedline, Stephen (Jamie Barna) and Tyler Hoffrage, and Scotty and Leah Duncan; four great-grandchildren; a beloved dog, Annie; and many loving friends, in particular Chuck and Karen Stone, her "meet me at the fence" neighbors. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A gathering of personal sharing and remembrance will be 11 a.m., Monday, May 16, at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Immediately following the Memorial Service, a graveside service will take place at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rt., 10, Camden. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.