Ruth Noecker

Ruth E. Noecker was born February 7, 1920 in Dubois, PA. She grew up in the heart of the depression, and while her father worked for the railroad, life at home was never dull with four brothers and four sisters. In high school Ruth met William S. Noecker. After a courtship that involved him sneaking peanut butter and marshmallow crackers into her locker, Bill convinced her to elope and run away to the world's fair in 1940. She quickly settled into domestic life, and the Irish girl learned how to master Pennsylvania Dutch cooking of which her pot pie reigned supreme with her grandchildren. During World War II while Bill was serving in the Navy Ruth went to work in a factory. With Bill's return came the birth and loss of a son Ken and later the birth of a daughter Kathleen. Ruth followed her husband and his career all over the world from France to Egypt with Kathy in tow. Ruth was talented as a seamstress making most a Kathy's clothes throughout her early school days and later her grandsons' treasured Halloween costumes ranging from a light bulb to Star Wars Ewoks. Her sacrifices allowed Kathy to attend college. Ruth's relationship with her Lord and Savior was extremely evident in her commitment that the family attend church together. She was a faithful member of Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Reading, PA where she taught good news clubs, worked in the church nursery, and volunteered in VBS and Cubbies ministries. Her contributions also extended to serving as president of the Ladies Missionary Society and president of the Christian Women's Club. Later she returned to the work force this time at the local department store Boscov's and retained her love of travel making trips to Hawaii and the Grand Canyon with her family which now included grandchildren. When her husband passed away in 2006 Ruth moved to Maryland and was able to experience the joy of three great-grandchildren. Ruth passed away on January 3,2013 at the age of 92 from natural causes. She is preceded in death by her husband, William S. Noecker; son, Ken Noecker; and daughter, Kathleen Brown. She is survived by her grandsons, Sean and Kevin Brown; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Laynie, and Shane Brown. A grave side memorial service will be held at Sinking Spring Cemetery on April 13, 2013 at 1:30 where she will be laid to rest. The family welcomes those that knew Ruth and were part of her life to attend.