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Dolores "Dee" (Ruggaber) Dematte, 82, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, at Liza's Place in Wheeling, WV, surrounded by her loving family. She has now joined her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Jack Dematte, in eternal rest.
Dee was born on July 5, 1941, in Wheeling to Charles and Stella (Connolly) Ruggaber. She grew up in East Wheeling and attended St. Joseph's Academy. She married Jack in 1962 and they relocated to Fort Knox, Kentucky where they started a family before returning to Wheeling. Dee was a stay-at-home mom before transitioning into a career as an insurance specialist with Prudential and State Farm, where she retired.
Dee was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She and Jack worked tirelessly and selflessly to provide opportunities for their children. Their home was always a warm and welcoming gathering place for friends and family. Dee's talents shone brightest during holidays and celebrations, where she would adorn the house, cook meals, bake delicious treats, and craft beautiful cakes, all accompanied by her beautiful smile. She cherished moments spent with her grand- children, delighting in playing games, engaging in arts and crafts, and even braving roller coasters at Kennywood Park with them. Her friendships with her St. Joseph's Academy classmates endured, and she dedicated herself to help organize their annual class reunions in conjunction with Wheeling Central.
Dee enjoyed family vacations at the beach in North Carolina, trips to visit her children and grandchildren, excursions to South Bend for football games, golf at the Moundsville Country Club, and outings with Jack to see their many friends at the WV Snake Club. Additionally, she gave her time as a volunteer at Wheeling Hospital.
Preceding her in passing are her parents, Charles and Stella Ruggaber Johnson, as well as her beloved husband, Jack Dematte, and her stepfather, Tom Johnson.
Dee is survived by her three children: John "Buddy" Louis Dematte, Jr. of Nashville, TN; Darlene Dematte Reiter of Nashville, TN; and Cecilia "CeCe" (Steve) Brehl of Carmel, IN. She is also remembered and adored by her six grandchildren: Jack, Alex, CeCe, Lexi, Evan, and Luke.
Dee's spiritual journey led her from the Cathedral of St. Joseph to St. Michael's Church while raising her children, before finally returning to the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, September 8th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Homes, 1400 Eoff Street with a brief prayer service at 6 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am on September 9 th at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Jeanne and Ken Weisenborn and family for their tireless support over countless years as well as Jeff Andreas for his many selfless acts of kindness. The family would also like to thank the staff at WVU Continuous Care Center and to extend a special thanks to the staff at Liza's Place for making the final journey home a peaceful one.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of St. Joseph in C/O www.tmcfunding.com or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneral homes.com.