Lois Jean (L.J.) Ruth

Lois Jean “LJ” Ruth, 84, formerly of New Cumberland, Gettysburg and Mechanicsburg passed away on June 26, 2016 at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg with her kid sister by her side. She was born on August 24, 1931 in Abbotstown, PA to the late Stewart P. and Florence K. (Mummert) Ruth. She was the widow of Thomas L. Becker. She is survived by her sister, Joan K. Ruth of New Cumberland and her four stepchildren, Mayme Paul and her husband Steve Carter, George Paulk, Jr. and his wife Kathy, Bette Jo Foster and her husband Bruce and Angie Randolph and her husband Jim, all of Florida.

LJ was a1949 graduate of the former New Cumberland High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University in 1953. Upon graduation she went to work for AMP, Inc. where she spent twenty years as the Supervisor of Statistics and Business Analysis and Systems and Procedures Coordinator. She later worked for the United Way of Adams County where she was involved in many areas of their campaigns, serving as Vice President of Finance and Administration.

She was a life member of Phi Mu National Fraternity and the Penn State Alumni Association, the Nittany Lion Club, Pioneer Club, President’s Club and the Mount Nittany Society at Penn State. She was a member of the Upper Allen Federated Women’s Club, New Cumberland Council of Republican Women and the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church.

Being involved in all aspects of Penn State was very special to LJ, but what brought her the greatest joy and was the most rewarding was her active involvement with the College of Liberal Arts. She gave of herself unselfishly to the work of the college and its’ students, always ready to promote their varied programs. She was proud of her ability to award scholarships to deserving students, and often followed their careers.

LJ received several honors over the years including Phi Mu Fraternity outstanding Career Recognition, College of Liberal Arts Service to Penn State Alumni Award, elected to serve on the Penn State Alumni Council, Board of Advisors Penn State Mont Alto and the Philip Philip Mitchell Alumni Service Award for significant contribution to Penn State. She was selected to Who’s Who in American Women seven times and to Who’s Who in Finance and Administration.

A proud Penn Stater, bled blue and white, loyal to the core, always ready to respond to “We Are _ _!” – that was LJ.

LJ’s sister wishes to thank the staff at Upper Laurel and Asper Nursing Care for the outstanding, loving care they provided during her time at Messiah Village and to Hospice of Central PA for being there during her final days.

A memorial service to honor LJ’s life will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday July 6, 2016 in the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 East Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, with Rev. Myrtle McCall officiating. A visitation and a time of fellowship will follow the service. A private burial will be held in Rolling Green Memorial Park at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Office of University Development, Mail Code A120, 90 Hope Dr., Hershey, PA 17033, to the Children’s Miracle Network, Mail Code A 190, 90 Hope Dr., Hershey, PA 17033 or to the Lois Jean Ruth Scholarship, College of Liberal Arts, PSU, 1 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.