Ruth R. Spera

Ruth R. Spera, 85, of Blairstown, NJ, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in McKeesport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Mary (Molnar) Rab. She is survived by the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Spera to whom she was married for 63 years, her children, Heidi Cicala, Anthony (Jane) Spera, her sister, Barbara (the late Pete) Vautrin, and her grandchildren, Nicholas, Christopher, Gabriel, Jacob, Rachel, and Julia.

Ruth was deeply loved, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and Registered Nurse who dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a 1959 graduate of McKeesport High School and completed her Nurse’s Training at Martland Medical Center in Newark, NJ. Throughout her nursing career, she worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and served as a school nurse at Frelinghuysen Elementary School. She spent the final 12 years of her career working for Dr. Gary Arvary in Blairstown, NJ, a time she considered among the happiest and fulfilling years of her nursing career. A dedicated professional and hard worker, Ruth primarily worked night shifts in the early years of her career so that she could be home with her family during the day.

Ruth lived a humble and private life, always putting others before herself, a reflection of her love for the Lord. She was a wonderful cook, known especially for her delicious spaghetti sauce and lemonade iced tea among many other Hungarian and Italian dishes that are family favorites. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her home inside and out. She was also an avid sports fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NY Yankees, and loved riding roller coasters and taking annual family trips to Kennywood Amusement Park. She enjoyed many genres of music, especially classical, sang in choirs and was a talented violinist and pianist.

Above all, Ruth's family meant everything to her. She took great pride in being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She will be remembered for her selflessness, care and support for her husband, her strong work ethic, humble nature, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, friends and family will be received for a time of visitation from 10AM to 12PM with a Funeral Service immediately following at Spacht Snyder Funeral Home, 127 S. Broad St., Lititz, PA 17543. Ruth will be laid to rest at Brunnerville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ruth’s name to the Lancaster County Nurse Honor Guard Association at: www.lancastercountynursehonorguard.org or by mail to P.O. Box 5248, Lancaster, PA 17606-5248.