Mary L. (Hill) Ruder

Mary L. (Hill) Ruder, 89, of Berwick, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Berwick.  Born in Berwick on January 16, 1934, she was a daughter to the late Wallace C. and Ruth T. (Conrad) Hill.

Mrs. Ruder was a graduate of Berwick High School.  On June 8, 1958, she wed James A. Ruder.  She had been employed by Elder-Beerman as a tree decorator while living in OH and as a secretary at Wise Foods in Berwick.  Following James’ retirement, the two operated a dog grooming business and sold beef jerky at gun shows throughout PA and MD.  Mary was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star Berwick Chapter 228, and the Red Hat Society.  Mary and James loved traveling and did so extensively throughout the United States, including a cross country bus trip that took them all the way to Alaska.  She enjoyed crafting, especially quilting.  She had lovingly crafted numerous quilts that are treasured by her family.

Surviving Mary are her nieces:  Marcy Zdanavage and husband, Dennis, of Berwick and Jayne McLaughlin and husband, Robert, of Shavertown; and numerous great nieces and nephews, among them Trisha Naiko of KY, Shawn Zdanavage of Bloomsburg, and Bobby and Jesse McLaughlin of Shavertown.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, James A. Ruder, who passed away October 4, 2011.  She was also preceded by sisters: Betty Jane (Hill) Bradbury and Joanna Marie (Hill) Fuller.

A memorial service at Bethany United Methodist Church will be announced at a later date.  Her interment at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex is private.  Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 116 Summerhill Avenue, Berwick, PA 18603.  The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Mary’s family.  Online messages of comfort and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary L. (Hill) Ruder, please visit our floral store.