Robert L. Ruth

Ruth, Robert Lee, 97, Geistown. Died peacefully, March 22, 2014 in the loving care of his family.  Born April 14, 1916, in Johnstown. Son of Leo and Florence (Karr) Ruth.  Preceded in death by parents; loving wife of 57 years, Mary Elizabeth (Kozora); son, Robert C. Ruth, spouse of Elaine (Genes); sister Dolores Vaught and husband Philip; Barbara Boxler and husband James; brother John and wife Edna Ruth; sister-in-law, Milicent Ruth; brothers-in-law, John Kozora and wife Josephine; William Schultz, Ray Kozora and Donald Bradley. Survived by children, Mary Ann and husband, John Horn, Old Lyme, CT.; Lois and husband, George Kelly, Woodstock, MD.; Kathleen and husband, Jack Cavanaugh; Janet and husband, Christopher Gleason, both of Johnstown. Grandchildren, Deanne Horn, John Horn and wife Melanie; Michael Horn and wife Kimberly ; Erin, wife of Cable Miller; Christopher Kelly; Alison, wife of Matthew Culp; Casey Cavanaugh, Kerry Cavanaugh; Jennifer Gleason, Christopher Gleason, husband of Tara, Meghan Gleason and Kevin Gleason. Great grandchildren, Emery Horn, Thomas Horn, Tildon Horn, Logan Miller, Tyler Miller, Hannah Kelly, Shea  Gleason and Ronan Gleason. Survived by brothers, William, and wife Eulalia; Richard, and wife Dorothy, and Paul. Also survived by brother-in-law, James Kozora; sisters-in-law Katherine Schultz, Joan Kozora, Roseline Bradley, Marian Kozora, and numerous nieces and nephews including James and Carol Boxler whose weekly visits brought him joy. Bob was a skilled stone mason and carpenter who built the home in which he raised his family and lived in until his death.  He had a life-long love for organic gardening which produced a bounty of fruits and vegetables, as well as beautiful, annual flower gardens.  Bob always enjoyed the competition and friendly rivalry of a good Pinochle or Cribbage game with family and friends.  He was a devout, life-long member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, and a member of the Holy Name Society.  Bob served proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was a member of the Catholic War Vets #954 and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.  Prior to retiring, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 40 years.  He served as Treasurer of the Postal Employees Federal Credit Union; and was employed part time by Niessner’s Flowers & Greenhouse. To his children and their spouses, he was a loving, patient and kind mentor and role model.  To his grandchildren, he was fun-loving, full of stories, and adored.  Bob was respected and held in high esteem by all who knew him. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Bob’s dedicated caregivers; and gratefully acknowledges the assistance given by the staff of Windber Hospice.  Donations may be made, in his honor, to The Robert L. Ruth and Robert C. Ruth Fellowship; %Army Heritage Center Foundation, P.O. Box 839, Carlisle, PA 17013 or St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown.
Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM Wednesday at St. Benedict Church. Fr. David S. Peles, officiating. Committal at St. Joseph Cemetery with military Rites by Menoher Post # 155 VFW Ritual Team. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)