Ruth "Joan" Hite, 83, Altoona, passed away Monday at her residence.

Surviving are a daughter, Beth A. Forlina (Jeffery); two sons: William A. Hite and Scott A. Hite (Trish); nine grandchildren: Michael, Christa, Todd, Kelley, Nicholas, Heather, Ryan, Kristy and Hailey; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two children: Donna J. McDonald and Amy L. Robuck; and two sisters: Vera L. Fairer and Anna I. Ronan.

Joan was a 1951 graduate of Altoona High School, and she attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She retired as a private personal caregiver for a number of families. In her earlier years, she worked at Sylvania and as a waitress at Penn Alto Hotel Ballroom. She also loved being a homemaker, and she raised her children on her own after her husband's early passing. In addition, she enjoyed sewing, quilting and baking.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m. today, Sept. 28, 2016, at Santella Funeral Home, Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 , Pastor Scott Barger officiating. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood.