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.

Birchard, Ruth A.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.