Ruth Arlene Wert Swartz
Ruth Arlene Wert Swartz, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away on February 9, 2019.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years Robert P. Swartz, children Timothy (Rachel Martin), Theodore (Susan Althouse), Tina (Jay Burkholder), grandchildren Eliot, Ian, Zachary, Jordan, Derek, Grace, Konrad, and Kathryn, greatgrandchildren Mona, Hattie, Alison, Josie, Ezra and Jenna and sister Esther Wert King.
Ruth was raised in Lancaster County, PA, and graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1948. Pursuing her childhood passion of becoming a nurse, she attended Eastern Mennonite College, and then received her R.N. from Lancaster General Hospital.
She was introduced to Robert by her best friend, and after marrying, the couple settled in Spring City and birthed three children. She then fulfilled her dream by working in the maternity ward at Phoenixville Hospital.
In the late 60s, she joined in her husband’s venture of running his own business, taught herself bookkeeping and accounting, ultimately working with Robert for 20 years before they closed the business. Ruth returned to her love of nursing, working first at the Phoenixville Manor, and later providing private duty care for individuals in the community.
Compassionate, justiceoriented, and environmentally concerned, Ruth was a creative, independent woman who wasn’t afraid to take risks. She loved music and sang in a community choir for 40 years. She enjoyed visiting with the many neighbors who stopped by her and Robert’s produce stand. She delighted in her grandchildren, and most recently her greatgrandchildren who loved her deeply in return.
Services include viewings on Friday, February 15, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 16, from 9-11 am at Vincent Mennonite Church, with a private burial following. Light lunch will be served. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 16 at 10:30 at Vincent Mennonite Church. Light lunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee P.O. Box 500 Akron, PA 17501.
Online donations and condolences can be made at www.sgsfuneralhome. com. All arrangements are being handled by the Shalkop, Grace & Strunk Funeral Home.