Ruth A. Birchard, age 82, peacefully passed to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Edinboro Manor, Edinboro, PA. Ruth, a life-long resident of Cambridge Springs, was born in Rockdale Township, Crawford County on July 07, 1930 to the late J. Logan and Adah B. Hutchinson. She was a 1948 graduate of Cambridge Springs High School and also a graduate of Erie Business College. She was employed as a secretary at Northwestern Rural Electric in Cambridge Springs and later worked as a food service employee at Cambridge Springs Elementary School.
Ruth was a true servant of God and a long standing member of the Cambridge Springs First United Methodist Church where she was active in numerous organizations and projects throughout the years, including Sunday school teacher, Morning Circle, Bible study and WSCS. She was also active in the Springs Manor Auxiliary. She was a devoted wife and mother and her grandchildren were the love of her life. Ruth was especially happy while mowing grass, gardening, baking or sewing. However, Ruth?????s true vocation on Earth was as caregiver for others, particularly her husband. She could often be seen driving to or from appointments or the store accompanied by one or more of her many friends, always with a smile on her face.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Claire C. Birchard, and an infant brother. Ruth is survived by her daughter – Wendy Burdick and her husband, Leon; a son – David Birchard and his wife, Mary Ann; and four grandchildren ???? Nicole and Jennifer Burdick and Christopher and Douglas Birchard.
Friends may call at Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday at the Cambridge Springs First United Methodist Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the church at 10:30 a.m. and will be officiated by Reverend Thomas Chacko, pastor of the California United Methodist Church, California, PA, and assisted by Reverend Mearl Henley, retired Methodist Minister of Greenville, PA.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Cambridge Springs First United Methodist Church, 326 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.
Wendy,David and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing, You have my condolences. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.Praying for strength to get you throiugh this difficult time.
Susan( Baer) Dagney
Dear Dave, Mary Ann and family,
We are truly sorry for your great loss. We hope that happy memories fill your hearts and your faith embraces you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean, Shelly, Kaitlyn and Matthew Kirby
Dear Wendy and family and David and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was such a lovely person, so sweet and caring. We will remember the very merry Christmas celebrations at her home and the times we had together at the 4th of July picnics. We will miss her. May it help to know that many others share in your sorrow. I wsh I lived closer so I could celebrate her life with all of you at the United Methodist Church on Friday. Gpd Bless her.
David, Wendy and Families,
Our sincerest sympathy to you all on your loss. Ruth was such a wonderful and compassionate person. She truly was a Cambridge Springs Icon who will be missed by all who knew her. May your memories comfort you through the tough times ahead.
Our deepest sympathy.
Iliene Wolfe, Debra DeWayne Donald David and Diane and our families
She was a very special lady! Glad I knew her.
Dave & Wendy
Your mother was one of the best. Always so kind and with that winning smile. She always was one of my ”other mothers” while growing up. I am glad I went to see her when I was last in PA. Your loss is a great one but memories will carry you through this.
Kevin French
Anchorage Alaska
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord bring comfort to you.
My sympathy to the Birchard family.
Although I didn’t have the privilege to get to know her, it seems she was very active in the community and very loved. Its never easy to lose loved ones. May the scripture in Isaiah 25:8 sustain you thru this difficult time.
Dave & Wendy:
Our deepest sympathy to you both and your families. May your memories sustain you through the difficult days and serve as treasures to pass on to the kids. She was such a very special person and we are truly saddened at your loss.
Wendy, David and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mom. Ruth was one of the kindest and most caring people I ever met. Even though we were not technically “family” Ruth always treated me as if I was. I still remember coming to the Christmas parties with Grama Doris and how much fun it was there. She will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you