Ruth A. Long
A Pottsville native, she was born Nov. 26, 1915. Ruth was the daughter of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Murton) Mellody. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Francis Mellody, a Catholic priest who served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and by her loving husband, Frank P. Long, who died in 1989.
Ruth was a 1932 graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School and a 1934 graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College. She was a public school teacher for 44 years, starting her career at Norwegian Township School, Schuylkill County, where she taught from 1938 to 1940.
Ruth then moved to Lancaster County and from 1941 to 1946 taught at Schoeneck School, West Cocalico Township (it was a two-room school at the time, and Ruth taught four grades in one classroom). Ruth continued her teaching career at Rothsville Elementary School, Warwick Township, from 1946 to 1956, and taught generations of 6th and 5th graders at Lititz Elementary School from 1956 until she retired in 1983 to care for her ailing husband.
Ruth was an involved and much-loved member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ephrata for 73 years. She was active in the Ephrata Golden Years Club and the Yearlings group at her church.
Ruth enjoyed socializing, visiting and dining with her friends and former colleagues, crocheting, and taking bus trips to Atlantic City.
She was an avid pinochle player and gardener.
Many of Ruth’s friends honored her by asking her to be the godmother of their children.
Ruth is survived by more than 30 godsons and goddaughters, by hundreds of men and women she taught as children, and by dear friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Ephrata PA, Feb. 11. Final Commendation and Farewell followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata.
Donations in Ruth’s memory may be directed to OMPH School at the above address.
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