Ruth (Smith) Wagner

Ruth (Smith) Wagner, 88, of Riverview Park, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023 in her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 24 1935, in Tilden Township, she was the daughter of the late Floyd A. Smith and Eva (Altenderfer) Smith. She was the wife of Melvin J. Wagner with whom she shared almost 70 loving years of marriage.

Ruth was a 1953 graduate of Hamburg High School where she enjoyed playing varsity softball and basketball. She had been the company printer for Burkey Underwear Factory for several years. Later she was a sales associate for Pomeroy’s and Joy Hosiery and an order checker for Izod, retiring in 1986.

She was baptized, confirmed and married in Zion's UCC, Windsor Castle. Ruth has been a member of Good Shepherd UCC, Tuckerton since 1965. Ruth loved swimming since her youth and was an excellent swimmer. She made sure her children learned to swim and that they spent time in the pool. Ruth adored her children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed their youthful years. She and Mel enjoyed traveling the states in their "nearing retirement " years.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her children, Dr. Lori Beth Wagner of Wallingford,PA, and Randall P. Wagner, companion of Sharon Bassett of Arlington, VA; Three granddaughters, Melissa, Laura and Elizabeth and 6 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were 2 infant sons and one grandson, Owen and her siblings, Lester and Nevin Smith, Elda Rothermel and Myrtle Henry.
 

A Visitation will be held Monday, September 18, 2023 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 am in Good Shepherd UCC, 170 Tuckerton Road, Reading, PA 19605.

A burial will take place in Zion Windsor Castle Cemetery, Perry Township at 1:00 pm.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Good Shepherd UCC
Building fund, 170 Tuckerton Road, Reading, PA 19605.