Ruth Geraldine (Strickling) Chester

Ruth G. Chester

Ruth G. Chester, 83, of Mechanicsburg , formerly of Lewistown , passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2015, in Holy Spirit Hospital, with her daughters by her side.  She was born on Saturday, March 21, 1931, in Ashland OH to the late James M. Strickling and Helen E. (Burns) Strickling.  She was the widow of H. Samuel “Sam” Chester, to whom she was married for 53 years, and who passed just five months prior.  She is also preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.

Ruth’s survivors include her daughters:  Margaret E. Chester of Mechanicsburg, and Kathryn A. Chester of Camp Hill; her sisters: Dorcas Kroll and Patricia Shaw, both of Ashland, OH; her sister-in-law, Edna S. Chester, of Bellville; her cousin, Betty J. Sizer, of Camp Hill; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth moved from rural Ohio to New York City; where she attended the Salvation Army College for officer training, attaining the rank of major.   After serving with the Salvation Army , she moved to Lewistown, worked at Danks Department Store , and then in the laboratory of the Standard Steel Corporation in Burnham.  After marrying the love of her life and raising her family, Ruth returned to work as a secretary in the Derry Township Mifflin County office, from where she retired.  She was a past Worthy Matron of Lewistown Chapter #283 of the Order of the Eastern Star .  She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewistown, and an associate member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill.  Her hobbies included reading, ceramics, crocheting, and singing in her churches’ choirs, as well as in the Bethany Village Women’s Chorus .  Her many granddogs were her absolute pride and joy.  Ruth touched many people and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

All are welcome to join Ruth’s family at any of her gatherings of family and friends and memorial services.  A reception will immediately follow each service.

• Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church , 120 North Main Street, Lewistown, PA 17044, with Pastor Gary Roth officiating

• Friday, February 13, 2015 from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Bethany Village East – Community Room , 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with Reverend Dr. Brand Eaton officiating

• Tuesday, February 17, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church , 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011, with Pastor Guy Edmiston officiating

The family suggests memorial contributions to Asbury Bethany Village Care Assurance Fund , 325 Wesley Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Ruth’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ruth’s full obituary and sign her official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .