Ruth E. Oberholtzer of North Wales

Ruth E. Oberholtzer (nee Knapp), 98, of North Wales passed away on March 21, 2017.

Ruth was born on May 19, 1918 in Montgomery Square, PA to her parents Charles Howard Knapp and Jennie Caracher Kulp.

Wife of the late Ross E. Oberholtzer and Mother of John E. Oberholtzer (Nancy Nemeth) and the late Ross E., Jr. Grandmother of Jacqueline Xu Oberholtzer and Amelia Miaoying Oberholtzer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Howard (Bud) Knapp, Jr.

Ruth graduated from Lansdale High School in 1936. She graduated as a Medical Records Librarian from Graduate Hospital in 1937, and worked in the dispensary and x-ray departments. She started working at Germantown Hospital in 1940 and continued working there until the 1970s. During this time she was one of the first Registered Medical Record Librarians in Pennsylvania.

Ruth had a lifelong interest in family genealogy and served as secretary for the Kolb, Kulp, Culp Family Reunion for over 40 years. Ruth was proud of her family’s heritage and took special interest in preserving the Knapp Farm. She was interested in local area history and a member of the Towamencin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a longtime member of the Montgomery Square United Methodist Church and Sanctuary United Methodist Church in North Wales and was very active in the women’s groups. Ruth and Ross were also youth group leaders at Montgomery Square in the 1950s.

Ruth took a genuine interest in others and developed many special friendships. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading and baking. After retirement, Ruth spent many years as a special caregiver to many in her family. Her activity and sharp mind were an inspiration to many younger folks.

Funeral Service 11 AM Monday at the William R. May Funeral Home 142 N. Main St. North Wales, PA 19454. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home Monday after 9:30 AM. Interment will be at Beulah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery Township Historical Society for the preservation of Knapp Homestead or the North Wales Library.