Ruth A. Lutz, 86, a beloved member of the Lebanon community, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023, at Carolyn Croxton Slane Hospice House in Harrisburg.
She was born on Aug. 1, 1936, in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, to Adolph R. Lehr and Elsie E. Lehr Neischwender.
Ruth spent her career as a Rural Mail Carrier, dedicating an impressive thirty years of service to ensuring that mail reached its destination with care and efficiency. Her commitment to her work made her an integral part of the community, as she greeted familiar faces along her route and became a trusted figure in the lives of many. She graduated from Pine Grove High School in 1954, and in her leisure time, Ruth enjoyed bowling and traveling. These hobbies not only brought her immense happiness but also allowed her to forge lasting friendships with those who shared her passions. Her vibrant spirit and zest for life were evident in every activity she embraced. Ruth was a loving mother and adoring grandmother who enjoyed being surrounded by her family. Ruth’s warm heart extended beyond her immediate family to include dear friends who became cherished members of her chosen family.
She leaves behind a legacy that will be forever treasured. Ruth’s memory will be held close in the hearts of her surviving loved ones which include William Eidem, also a Pine Grove High School classmate, who had been a faithful companion for almost 30 years; her children, Eric S. Gerber (Brenda), Kim D. Marzula (late husband, Vincent), Debra L. Ransing, Robin T. Gerber (Julie), and Christine M. Walturz (Jim); her companion’s daughters, Carol Ferguson, Debbie Spicer, Patty Van Dusen, and Denise Eidem; grandchildren, Elizabeth Lord (Frank Gonzalez), Vincent “VJ” Marzula Jr., Zachary Marzula, Brandon Marzula, Nicholas Ransing, Lauren Ransing, and Kinsey Walturz; and great-grandchildren, Tyler Weible, Noah Lord-Weible, Grayson Painter, and Adalynn Painter. She will also be greatly missed by her sister, Marian Floyd (late husband, Grover); her brother, Roy Lehr (Diane); her sister, Grace Brown (Fritz); her sister, Mary Jane Brown (Dale); her former daughter-in-law, Dee Gerber, and previous husband, Marlin Gerber.
Ruth was predeceased by her late husband, William F. Lutz; her sister, Helen Klinger (Russell); her brother, John Lehr (Minerva); her brother, Donald Lehr (Ruth “Cookie”); and her sister, Carol Lehr.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Ruth will always remember her fierce love of life. Ruth was always ready for an adventure and enjoyed exploring new places with family and friends. We will miss her spunkiness and feisty nature, which allowed her to live life to the fullest.
The celebration of Ruth’s life will take place at Christman’s Funeral Home, Inc., located at 226 Cumberland St., in Lebanon, PA. The viewing will be held on July 26, 2023, from 10 AM until 11 AM. Following the viewing, a funeral service will be conducted at the same location starting at 11 AM. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for a graveside service at Grand View Memorial Park, Annville, Pennsylvania, following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
