Obituaries

Ruth S. Keller, 101

November 02, 2020

Ruth S. Keller, 101, of Lititz, went to be with the Lord on November 2, 2020, at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Manheim. Born in Manor Township on June 14, 1919, she was the daughter of the late J. Stoner Seitz and Minnie Frey Seitz, and the wife of Charles G. Keller.

She grew up on the family farm, the fifth child of ten brothers and sisters. She graduated from Penn Manor High School in 1937. She was married to Charles Keller on August 26, 1939. She and her husband bought their own farm on Speedwell Forge Road, north of Lititz, in 1952, where they lived until they sold the farm in 1968.

Ruth was dedicated to her family. While raising three children she worked fulltime on the farm milking cows morning and evening, driving tractor to bale hay, planting tobacco and stripping tobacco throughout the winter, as well as many other farm chores. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, playing Pinochle, watching Philadelphia Phillies games, and listening to gospel music. She was a devoted grandmother to her two grandsons, frequently playing miniature golf and board games with them, reading to them, and introducing them to the beagle puppies. She and her husband were members of Coleman Memorial Chapel in Brickerville, where she was active in fundraising for the church by producing crafts for the annual benefit auction and making chocolate covered peanut butter eggs at Easter.

Ruth is survived by her son, Dennis Keller (wife Maria Eugenia) of Carlisle; daughter, Karen Hoffer (husband David) of Lititz; and grandsons, Ryan Keller (wife Wu) of Boca Raton, Florida and Jason Keller of Carlisle. Preceding her in death was her husband of 63 years, Charles; a son, C. Lynn; brothers, Paul, Clayton, Joseph Nelson, James, and Wilbur Seitz; and sisters, Mary Millhouse, Irene Sides, Esther Nissley, and Alice Haldeman.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 2PM at Brickerville United Lutheran Church Cemetery at 340 E. 28th Division Highway (Route 322), Brickerville, PA, 17543. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service. Masks are required and social distancing will be in effect.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Pleasant View Retirement Community Benevolent Fund at Pleasant View Retirement Community, 544 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545 or online at https://www.pleasantviewcommunities.org/donate/.

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Condolences to the Family

November 06, 2020

Aunt Ruth and my mom, her sister Alice, were very close, so I was fortunate to spend time with Ruth well into adulthood. My children have fond memories of playing with the beagle puppies at her house. I remember her kindness, her baked goods, how well she sewed, and that she gave me my first pair of women’s ice skates. Thank you, Aunt Ruth. Condolences to the entire family. You are in my prayers.
Jan Bowen

November 05, 2020

Aunt Ruth was one of my favourite people. We visited her and Uncle Charlie as much as we could. My Husband and I had a great time staying with them – they loved to bowl! We went with them one afternoon to bowl with them and their friends and the attendant at the counter leaned over to us and said man I hope you want to bowl a lot Aunt Ruth and Uncle Charlie were in their late eighties at this time. We did have to stop bowling, but they continued. They graciously let us spend Thanksgiving with them one year. The food and company was great. Prayers to her family and friends
Ellen Gates

November 05, 2020

I have so many precious memories of Aunt Ruth. She personified grace. She was lovely and kind and always made you feel so very special. I am so thankful my grand daughter Lily and I were able to join in the celebration for her 100th birthday! With tears I say good bye just for now. Because of Jesus we will see you again…….
Linda Winkler

November 04, 2020

I am so saddened to read of the passing of Ruth. She was a dear friend for many years. She was so open and kind and joyful, almost a joy that was contagious! She had the grace of God in her heart. I will truly miss her friendship and visits. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Dennis, Karen and extended family. I feel a hole in my heart. Ruth was such a lovely lady!
Lisa Hocker

November 03, 2020

I will always hold on to an treasure the beautiful memories I have with Ruth an my little dog Honey.
Ruth an I became friends when both our husbands were residents at RBT in Pleasant View. She would visit him every day in case He needed help with His lunch.
Karen an Dennis were extremely devoted to their Mom. I always enjoyed our conversatiions when Ruth would talk about her children an Grandsons.
Thank you Ruth for being my friend. Janet & Honey too!

Services: Friday, November 06, 2020; 2:00 PM; Brickerville United Lutheran Church Cemetery; 340 E. 28th Division Highway (Route 322); Brickerville, PA 17543
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