Bessie Margaret "Bess" (Bathgate) Ruhl

Bessie Margaret “Bess” Ruhl, 91, long time resident of Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, entered into rest at 2:55 AM on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Riverwoods Senior Living Community, Lewisburg.

She was born on August 13, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of the late Bessie Marguaritte (Brown) and Owen Hamill Bathgate.  On August 21, 1948, she married William R. Ruhl who preceded her in death on August 2, 2011.

Bess was a graduate from State College High School, Class of 1944, and Susquehanna University class of 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  While there she participated in a variety of sports, held class offices, was a member of the Homecoming Courts and selected by Susquehanna University to be included in the prestigious volume of Who’s Who among students in American Universities and Colleges.

Bess was a devoted wife, wonderful homemaker and an excellent role model for her children, always loving her family and friends unconditionally.  She was a social bug and enjoyed attending events with her husband. To her friends and family she was loving, a woman of integrity, compassion, kindness and always quite witty exhibiting a great sense of humor.

She had a genuine love of music; enjoyed singing and playing the piano.  Other hobbies included knitting, crossword puzzles and scouring flea markets in her travels with her husband.

She had a special talent for serving others; teaching Sunday School, volunteering over 3,000 hours at Evangelical Community Hospital and teaching children, especially those with disabilities and special needs.

Bess was a lifetime member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg and lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Lewisburg Chapter 394.

Surviving is one daughter Jennie Lynn Servinsky of Mifflinburg, three grandchildren; Douglas John Ruhl, Kristin Michelle (Ruhl) Bergstrom and her husband Lee, Caroline Elizabeth (Servinsky) Gillott and her husband Francis, and five great grandchildren, Addison Emma Bergstrom, Andrew William Bergstrom, Coralynn Elizabeth Gillott, Mercedes Grace Gillott and one due in January.

Preceding her in death was a son, Dr. John W. Ruhl.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing from 12-1 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Market St., Mifflinburg.  Her funeral service will be held at 1:00 with Rev. John D. Yost, officiating.  A luncheon will follow the service for friends and family in the fellowship hall.

Interment will be held in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mifflinburg, following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bess’s memory may be sent to Riverwoods c/o Benevolent Care Fund, 15 Ridge Crest Circle, Lewisburg, PA 17837 or First Evangelical Lutheran Church c/o Youth Ministries, 404 Market Street, Mifflinburg, PA 17844.