Ruth Esther Wenzel, age 76, died at her residence, surrounded by family 18305 Highway #86, Saegertown, PA on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Born on October 15, 1933 in Woodcock Twp., she was a daughter of the late Clyde Bradshaw and Elizabeth Lemon Bradshaw. She lived all of her life in Woodcock Township., Crawford County. On February 28, 1950, she married James G. Wenzel and he survives.

Wenzel, Ruth EstherFollowing her education at Saegertown High School, she joined her husband in operating the family dairy farm on Route # 86, Saegertown. She was always alongside her husband and provided a wonderful home for their family. A member of Blooming Valley United Methodist Church, she enjoyed helping prepare and serve church dinners. Ruth was a hard worker and was known for her love of flower gardening. The happiness of her family meant everything to her.

Family surviving Ruth, in addition to her husband, James of 60 years, are three sons – Fred Wenzel and his wife, Kathleen of Cambridge Springs; Edward Wenzel and his wife, Cheryl of Volant, PA; and James Wenzel, Jr. and his wife, Lisa of Saegertown; two daughters – Sylvia Wenzel and her companion, Tony Szklinski of Meadville; Kim Martin and her husband, Dave of Saegertown; eight grandchildren – Brian Wenzel, Bradley Wenzel, Jamie Wenzel, Kiristie Wenzel, Nolan Acker, Hayley Acker, Jacob Wenzel, and Ashley Wenzel. Also surviving is a sister – Susie Steiner and her husband, Robert of Blooming valley; Bruce Bradshaw and his wife, Anna Mae of Meadville; and Stanley Bradshaw and his wife, Darlene of Meadville; and a sister-in-law – Doris Bradshaw of Erie. Preceding Ruth in death was two sisters – Dorothy Hamilton and a child, Amy; and a brother – Bus Bradshaw.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Blooming Valley United Methodist Church, route # 77, Blooming Valley. Reverend Beverly Spore, pastor of the Church will officiate. Interment will be in Blooming Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Blooming Valley United Methodist Church; the Saegertown Volunteer Fire Department; the Palliative Care Program, % Saint Vincent Health Center, Erie; or Hospice of Crawford County.