Sara Miller Ruth
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Sara Miller Ruth, 84, was born in Nine Points, PA on September 2, 1936. She was the youngest of 15 children of the late Leonard and Elizabeth Miller.
Losing her parents at a young age, Sara was raised by her sisters and brothers at the homestead in Nine Points, and later in Ercildoun, PA. They made it their mission to sacrifice and ensure her education which began in a one-room elementary school in Nine Points and continued until her college graduation. Sara was admitted to Cheney State Teachers College and graduated in 1958 with the knowledge to teach students grades 1 through 8.
Sara married Richard A. Ruth of Gap, PA in June 1960. They started their life together living in Philadelphia. It was a love story that lasted 56 years on earth, but, continued beyond his passing in November 2016.
Educating children was Sara's life's work and passion. She began her teaching career at McMichael School at 35th and Fairmount in Philadelphia, PA where she taught for 5 1/2 years. There she met fellow teacher Annie Johnson and her husband Leonard. Sara, Richard, Annie, and Leonard became the best of friends and remained so the rest of their lives. Sara and Ann, who passed just a few short weeks before her friend Sara, spent every Thanksgiving together from 1960 until 2019.
After 5 1/2 years in Philadelphia, Richard and Sara moved to Gap, PA. Sara applied for a position in the Pequea Valley school district where she was hired and remained for 36 years. Former students still speak of the impact she had on their lives. She was an "Educator" who took continuing education classes at one of the local universities every summer to stay abreast. In 1993, she was named one of the ten best teachers in the state of Pennsylvania. Following her retirement, the Superintendent of the schools approached Sara and asked her to become a mentor to new teachers throughout the district. A position created specifically for Mrs. Ruth. And one she held for 3 years. They just could not let her go!
Sara's love of God and community led her to serve in many organizations geared toward the educational advancement of young people. She was a member of Mt. Zion AME Church in Atglen, PA where she served as a Trustee, Financial committee member, and was the founder and president of the Education and Scholarship committee. Her organizational affiliations outside of her church family included National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, The Delta Kappa Society International, Cheyney University National Alumni Association, Charter member of the Greater Chester County Chapter Cheyney Alumni Association, Founder and President of South Eastern Chester County Business and Professional Women's Club, Member of Eureka Chapter No.12 of the Eastern Star PHA Coatesville, PA, Life Member of Chester County NAACP where she was an officer and chaired the annual Freedom Fund Banquet for many years running.
Sara was preceded in death by her husband Richard A. Ruth, parents Leonard and Elizabeth Dickinson Miller, siblings Whitmer Miller, Alberta Miller, Lewis Miller, Alice Rollins, Laura States, Ozella "Zet" Williams, Ethel Middleton, Marion Johnson, Cornetta "Neat" Miller, Olive Toalton, Helen Folks, Lawrence "Hippie" Miller, Mary McBall and Alfred Miller.
Sara is survived by her daughter and son in law Dawn and Edwin Hall of Hampton, VA, granddaughters Myah Cooper of Philadelphia, Cire' West -Cooper of Hampton, VA and great granddaughter Cierra Johnson of Philadelphia, PA, sister-in-law Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson of Coatesville, PA, Godson Ronald Johnson of Philadelphia, PA and nieces and nephew Linda Folks Allen, Geraldine Evie McBall, Whitmer Middleton and countless more who love their Aunt Sissie with ALL their hearts.
There will be a public viewing on Monday, January 4th, 2021 from 9 AM until 11 AM at Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, PA. A graveside service will follow the viewing at Church of Christ Cemetery in East Fallowfield will follow at 11:30 AM.
In order to protect those at-risk, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing while at the funeral home and gravesite.
Sara received ‘compassionate care’ during her 4 plus years of stay at the Harrison House in Coatesville, PA. The consideration and dignity they showed their “Mom-mom” provided comfort and a sense of well-being to her, especially from her great-nieces, Candice Folks & Colbi Rollins. It also gave her family peace knowing she was cared for and loved every moment she was with them. And so, to Jean Bryan and the entire staff, we say thank you for who you are, and for the work that you continue to do.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimers Association, PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 (Memo line - In memory of Sara Ruth), Pequea Valley Education Foundation, PO Box 233, Gap, PA 17527 (Memo Line - In memory of Sara Ruth), GCCCAC - (Greater Chester County Chapter Cheyney Alumni Association) and mailed to Wilbur Kirkland 127 Kimberwick Circle Glenmore, PA 19343 (Memo line - In memory of Sara Ruth).
Online condolences can be posted www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
A true educator
I had Mrs. Ruth as my 5th grade teacher at Salisbury Elementary School. She was a true educator who cared about her students. She will be missed by all who her knew her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Farewell our sister
Eureka Chapter No. 12 Order of the Eastern PHA located in Coatesville Pa. Send our deepest condolences in the passing of Sister Ruth our hearts and prayers are with the family.
My sincere condolences. Sara
My sincere condolences. Sara was truly a one of a kind. She provided a role model for all her coworkers through her determination and dedication to educate children. I had the honor and privilege of being one of those Pequea Valley coworkers. Pequea Valley was very very fortunate to have Sara. May she rest in peace!!!!
My sincere sympathies Mrs
My sincere sympathies Mrs Ruth was my 5th grade teacher such a true inspiration she will b greatly missed ❤️
My Inspiration
Mrs Ruth was my first inspiration to do and become more.
As a young brown girl at Salisbury Elementary school in the 80's, Mrs Ruth was the first teacher to tell me to reach for the stars and she told me it was a MUST to continue my education and that I HAD to get my college degree. I just want to say thank you to Mrs Ruth! I am sorry that I did not reach out and tell you how much of an impact you made on my life and how many times I heard your words in my head.
To Mrs Ruth's family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a marvelous woman, which you already know. I want you to know that I am one of the little brown girls that looked up to her and that she impacted my life in more ways than you can realize. But I am sure I am just one of MANY that she influenced.
I had mrs Ruth as my fifth
I had mrs Ruth as my fifth grade math teacher. This woman never forgets a face she rembered me as an adult when I would see her out n about in different places n she would always ask about my brother too. She was a wonderful lady who never gave up on a student. God has gotten a true angel through n through. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family
Fondest Memories
Mrs. Ruth was my fifth grade reading teacher and I looked forward to class with her, as she was passionate, caring, challenging and fun- truly born to teach! I remember her so well, especially her voice and sense of humor- that's saying something as I had her in the mid eighties! Prayers of comfort said for Mrs. Ruth's family as I know her loss will be felt deeply. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sara was a teacher in the PV
Sara was a teacher in the PV district when I started my career. When we celebrated her retirement, I marveled at her passion for teaching over 40+ years. She was an inspiration to her students and me. Peace to her and her family.
I remember being in her class
I remember being in her class like it was yesterday at Salisbury. Only it wasn't yesterday - it was 4 decades ago! May God comfort her loved ones in the way that only He is able!
Mrs. Ruth was my 4th grade
Mrs. Ruth was my 4th grade teacher at Salisbury Elementary many years ago. I have always said that she was my favorite teacher. She made learning exciting and fun. Her classroom was unique and she always made sure we were engaged and creative. She challenged us to be our best and exemplified that in her own life. I still remember her contagious laugh. Being in her class was a blessing.
My Sincere Condolences
My sincere condolances to the Ruth Family. I remeber how Aunt Sissy would always call me Little Ralphie. She was a wonderful mentor to me and she always encourged me to be strong and possitive in life. She was always ecouraging everyone she met to be their best self, this will be deeply missed. Even when she wasn't teaching she was always giving everyone important lessons for life.
Love Little Ralphie.
My deepest condolences
I was a nurse to anut sissy in which we called her. Her love and joy 💗 for music was contagious and would quickly fill the room with happiness. She will missed much at HH and surely wont be quite the same . May god protect her and guide her through this transition and know we will be thinking of you .
My true educator
My brother had miss ruth back in 69 I always wished she would've been mine but she always had my attention she looked liked my family n she was very nice but could always be stern n disciplined my remembrance will always be respectful god bless her n family
My dear cousin
Sending our deepest condolences to the family. Cousin Sarah was an inspiration to me. I was inspired by her class. When I became a member of Eureka Chapter No.12, Order of Eastern Star, Inc. Prince Hall Adopted, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, my dear cousin was there. She always had kind words. She will be truly missed at the family reunion. RIH, dear cousin Sarah.
condolences to Ruth family
Mrs. Ruth impacted so many lives, mine included. She was such a great teacher. I had her in fourth grade and in fifth grade....my mother tells the story that I came home from last day of fourth grade so excited that Mrs. Ruth was going to be my 5th grade teacher too. She was a great influence on me becoming a teacher and a life long learner. She passed onto me the joy of history and reading. My prayers go out to all the family. May God Bless you all.
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs.
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ruth's family. She was a wonderful teacher and a good neighbor.
The Von Gehr girls and Peggy
Heartfelt condolence goes out
Heartfelt condolence goes out to the entire family of Sara "Sissie" Ruth, Sissie was a distance cousin to the Late Elizabeth Culclasure, our mother and cousin Sissie would sometimes meet
at cousin Zet's house when the weather was nice and they would share old times when they were younger. My remeberance was when she would be handling the business of the NAACP banquets and she was always gracefully directing the going on's. She was such a blessing to anyone she came in contact with. Because of her faith and knowing Jesus never fails, she is at rest where the wicked have ceased and the wearie have rested and she is one of the Angels sitting at his feet being blessed. From the entire Culclasure Family.
Condolences
I taught with Sara at Salisbury Elementary. She was a wonderful teacher and a great coworker. She made our school a better place. My condolences to her family and many friends.
A thoughtful prayer
Condolences to all of our family members and close friends.I John Miller a nephew of Sara Miller the last surviving member of 15 sisters and brothers as my mother Cornetta S.Miller(deceased)a sister.like its said it takes a village to nurture children.will i was one of those children.my Aunts and Uncles raised me and i mean all.Sara was the youngest and when i was a young lad and husband of Sara, Richard ruth would gather me up and take we to Philadelphia,Pa on the weekends and i would stay with them.i had fun walking around Cobbs creek parkway which was accross the street.i'll never forget that part of my life.lovely relatives!will they have both went on to be with our father in Heaven......may they rest in peace....
Condolences to the Ruth and Miller Families
To the family of Sara (Sissy) Miller Roth: send our condolences and love to the families!! Sissy was a sweet sweet lady! No matter where you saw her, she always had a smile!! Last saw her in the beginning evis 2019 at the Harrison House!! She was still smiling!! May she Rest In Peace with her loved ones!! May you find comfort and peace in her memories.. God blew all of you!! Love Jim (Scoogie), Louise Lambert Smith and the Lambert family.
Condolences
To Gwen, Dawn, Myah, cierra n the rest of the family I'm so sorry for ur loss. Sissy was a great lady, funny, compassionate and always positive. God took another good one to be with Him.
With Sympathy
Mrs. Ruth was my teacher at Salisbury Elementary School. She has always been my favorite teacher, what a treasure! I have great memories of her! Besides at school, she would stop at my Grandma's roadside stand to buy produce and all the kids there would race out to the stand to be the first to wait on her! She also shopped at our family business, Lapp's Meats, and we all wanted to be the one to wait on her! She was a lovely, talented lady and my deepest sympathies to the family!