OBIT: Ruth I. Bussard (Dayton)

Ruth I. Bussard, 85, of Dayton, PA., passed away Sunday, December 22, 2013, at her home.

She was born October 27, 1928 in Smicksburg, the daughter of Virgil C. and Ruth Isabell (McClelland) Stiteler, and lovingly raised by her grandparents, Charles and Minnie (Wells) Stiteler.

Ruth was a resident of the Dayton area most of her life. She was a member of the Dayton United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women of DUMC.

Ruth was known for being a wonderful baker, with her specialty being coconut cream pie.

Family was the greatest joy in her life and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 66 years, Ronald “Paul” Bussard, whom she married December 6, 1947; son, Larry D. Bussard and wife, Stella, of Smicksburg; THREE daughters: Lois K. Boor, of Reedsville, PA., Paula S. Keener and husband, Barry, of Dayton, and Joyce A. Steffy and companion, Dan Steele, of Dayton; six grandchildren: David Bussard, of Erie, Allison Gerwick, of Reedsville, Pa., Adam Keener and wife, Crystal, of Dayton, Benjamin Steffy, of Smicksburg, Lucas Steffy and wife, Angel, of Dayton, and Evan Keener, of Dayton; two great-grandchildren: Thad and Brett Gerwick; step-grandson, Jon Rishell and wife, Teresa, of Rossiter, Pa.; step-great-grandchildren, Brooke and Brianna Atherton, and Danielle and Lorrin Rishell; brother, Kenneth Stiteler and wife, Mildred, of Smicksburg; two sisters: Virginia Seger, of Juneau, Pa., and Barb Sutter, of Rossiter, Pa.; and four sisters-in-law: Bonnie, Lois, Bessie and Ann Stiteler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Walter, Malvern, Keith and Robert Stiteler; and two sisters: Dorothy Stiteler and Janet Seger.

Ruth’s family would like to thank and acknowledge Jodi Bish for all the love and special care given to Ruth throughout the past three years.

Family and friends will be received from 1PM until the time of funeral services at 4PM on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Bauer-Bly Funeral Home in Dayton, with the Rev. Dennis Howard officiating.

Burial will be in Salem Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Smicksburg, Pa.

Contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the United Methodist Women of DUMC, 105 East Church St., Dayton, PA 16222.

To express a condolence to Ruth’s family, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.