Ruth J. Koehler, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. She was born in Lebanon on Sept. 26, 1943, a daughter of the late Nicholas Joseph and Ruth Miriam (Marks) Stipich. In 1962, she married Edward Koehler Jr., who sadly predeceased her after 39 years of marriage.
Ruth was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, now merged with Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was an active and devoted congregant. She taught Sunday school, worked as a communion attendant, and volunteered wherever help was needed. Ruth worked for 27 years at Walmart before retiring. In her free time, she enjoyed visiting Hershey Park, going camping, listening to Elvis and Bobby Vinton, and satisfying her sweet tooth with some good ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends. Her porch was the gathering spot for many of the neighbors within her North 4th Street family. It was there so many golden memories were made. She was a proud LHS band parent. Sadly, though, later in life, she would become a Gold Star parent following the brave service and sacrifice of her son, Edward.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Elaine (William) Dietz and Nichole (Eric) McCabe; grandchildren, Tobi (Brandon) Schneck, Kayla (Jared) Hulse, Madison (Luke) Tamberino, Gage McCabe, Ellie McCabe, and Emily Dietz; and great-grandchildren, Rowan, Raylen, and Renly.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Ruth; husband, Edward Koehler Jr.; son, Edward Koehler III; twin brother, Nicholas; and stepbrothers, John, Harlan, and Richard Fleece.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ruth with a memorial donation to the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 119 N. 8th St., Lebanon, or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
