Ruth Arlene Rhoads, 91, formerly of Fleetwood and most recently a resident at Keystone Villa Fleetwood, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2022 at Penn State Health, St Joseph Medical Center. Born in Shoemakersville on July 24, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Nevin Clinton Adams and Verna O. Zweizig. Her husband of 66 years and the love of her life, Harry B. Rhoads, Jr. passed on October 13, 2018.  They celebrated 66 years of marriage in November 2017

Ruth was a 1949 graduate of Perry High School and in 1950 from Bryland Beauty and Culture School. She worked as a beautician before becoming a mother to her three girls.  After marrying Harry, they started their life together in Shoemakersville before building a home on Arch Street in Fleetwood, where they raised their family and became active in the community.  She took great pride in the stone home that Harry built for their family; she was also an avid quilter, among other crafts - her daughters and many friends and family members have items made by her through the years, which will be part of her lasting legacy.  Ruth also loved baking and was known for her sweet treats – especially her pies and cookies, which were enjoyed by all. Her greatest joys were her family, her faith and her love of nature – the sun on her face, the song of birds in her backyard, and always flowers.

Ruth worked in the cafeteria at Fleetwood Area School District for 21 years, retiring after her first grandchild was born. After retirement, she and Harry enjoyed traveling; some highlights include many cruises, including to Alaska and the Panama Canal, and to Paraguay, South America, when their daughter Beverly served in the Peace Corps there. They also enjoyed many trips to California and New Mexico to visit their daughters and grandchildren, and in later years trips with their Senior Citizens group.

Ruth remained a very active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fleetwood, where she served on Altar Guild for 31 years.  She was also a past Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, past secretary of the Fleetwood Women's Club and of Berks County School Retirees Association, and an active member of Fleetwood Senior Citizens and the Christian Women's Club.

Ruth is survived by her three daughters: Karin M. Rhoads-Bridgham (wife of Dennis Bridgham) of Temecula, CA; Beverly D. Rhoads of Sandia Park, NM; and Sharon Rhoads McQueen (wife of David McQueen) of Salinas, CA. She also has two grandchildren, Celeste Marie Rhoads (wife of Cedric Maheo) of Paris, France; Evan Rhoads Bridgham of San Diego CA; and a great-granddaughter Teila-June Maheo-Rhoads who lovingly called her GG. She is also survived by three sisters, Roselyn Yocom, Jeanette Dietrich and Cynthia Caretti, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Marian Henne and Dorothy Kauffman.

Visitation will be held for Ruth on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 117 E. Arch St., Fleetwood, PA 19522. A lite luncheon will follow services in the church social room. Burial will be after the luncheon in Hope Cemetery, Dryville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ruth to St. Paul's Lutheran