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Ruth Ann Runyan, 76 of Knox, passed way surrounded by her husband, daughter and sister on Wednesday, September 25, at UPMC Mercy, Pittsburgh.
Born on January 19, 1943, in Turkey City, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Paul Cotherman and Florence (Best).
Ruth graduated from Keystone High School then continued her education at Oil City Beauty School. She worked at the Knox Glass Plant, was a home maker and was co-owner of Tom’s Sales and Services.
On August 16, 1966, Ruth married Thomas Runyan who survives.
Ruth enjoyed decorative painting, gardening, making jewelry, cooking and baking and spending time with her family.
Ruth Ann was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America. She began her scouting years as a young girl in Emlenton. She enjoyed all facets of this experience from camping, sewing and lifetime friendships. As the years rolled around, Ruth Ann got involved once again with the scouting program as her daughter, Leigh Ann, joined scouts. Ruth Ann served as a leader, making sure all the girls in her troop earned the necessary requirements to earn the Silver and the Gold Award, which is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting. When the area held mini-badge days at Camp Coffman you would find Ruth Ann involved in making fires and teaching the girls outdoor cooking. She held not only local and district positions but was also a board member for many years at Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council. Ruth Ann lived by the old Girl Scout song, "Make New Friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold."
Along with her husband Ruth is survived by her daughter Leigh Ann Runyan of Lincoln University, PA, her beloved nephews Scott Means and his wife Pam of Knox and their sons Logan and Peyton Means, and Steve Means and his wife Jennifer and their daughter Hannah Means. Also surviving are her sister Emily Merlene Means of Knox, and two step brothers Richard Best and Harold Best both of Seneca.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Florence, her stepfather Dana Best and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Saturday, September 28, 2019, at the McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home Inc., 504 East Penn St., Knox, and from 2 to 3 PM Sunday at the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 937 Twin Church Road, Knox. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 29 at 3 PM with Pastor Ken Tack officiating. Interment will follow at the Nickleville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Charitable Deeds & Services, 94 Hickory Nut Lane, Knox PA 16232.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ann Runyan, please visit our floral store.