Ruth V. Brown

Ruth Virginia Brown, 88, of South Juliana Street, Bedford, died Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Bedford Colonial Courtyard. She was born on September 25, 1924, in Wilmore, a daughter of the late Victor and Alberta (Smith) Beyer. On June 26, 1946, she married Edward J. Brown, who preceded her in death on May 5, 2010.  She is survived by the following family: a son, Richard L. Brown of San Francisco, CA,  daughter, Linda M. wife of James R. Sproat, of Raleigh, NC, daughter, Joanne L. wife of Raymond M. Lyons, of Sarasota, FL, son, James A. Brown married to the former Beverly Ake, of Osterburg, son, Edward J. Brown Jr. married to the former Theresa Harvey, of Muncy, and a son, John J. Brown married to the former Sandra Masterson, of Gallipolis Ferry, WV; 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Father Leroy Beyer, of New Germany, four sisters: Helen Brown and husband Irvan, of Coudersport, Loraine Beyer, Ida May Spaid widow of Sarge Spaid  both of Portage, Alma and husband Michael Rounds, of Denver, CO; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by an infant son Joseph, one sister Dorothy Trimble-Urich, one brother Russell Beyer, and a granddaughter Julia Brown.

Ruth was a member of the St Thomas Catholic Church where she served as Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Ladies Guild.  She received her Bachelors and Masters of Education Degrees from Penn State University, and taught for the Bedford School Area District, at Harrison-Manns Choice Elementary and the Bedford Middle School.  She was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) serving as Membership Chairperson and Newsletter Editor for many years, the Penn State Alumni Association, Phi Delta Kappan, the American Legion Auxiliary, Bedford Grange and the Wally Byam Airsteam Caravan Club.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the St Thomas Catholic Church, in Bedford, with Father Richard Tomkosky, Celebrant.  Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with a Vigil for the deceased held at 2:00 p.m. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.