Ruth C. (Critchfield) Baer

Ruth C. Baer, 96, of Bedford, died on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Homewood at Martinsburg. She was born on September 13, 1926 in Sipesville, a daughter of the late William and Beatrice (Edmiston) Critchfield. On August 6, 1949 in Sipesville she married William J. Baer Jr. who preceded her in death on August 7, 2000. She is survived by three sons: William J. Baer III and wife Susan of Bedford; Dr. David G. Baer and wife Lesley of Bedford; Mark C. Baer and wife Lynn of Bedford; and one daughter Amy C. Baer and special friend Jesse Perry of Bedford; 11 grandchildren:  Matthew J. Baer, Jeffrey C. Baer, Luke A. Baer, Kyle D. Baer, Connor J. Baer, Blake R. Baer, William J. Baer, Joel  A. Koontz, Wade C. Baer, Elizabeth C. Thumann, and Karen Duhai; 18 great-grandchildren:  Grace, Sam, Gus, Hank, Cash, Willie, Tenley, Brodey, Josey, Caroline, Evelyn, Leo, Adelyn, Corbyn, Emilia, Grant, Oliver, Audrey;  and one sister, Alice Bittner of Everett and a foreign exchange student who became part of the family Fridrik Gardarsson of Iceland.  She was preceded in death by one brother William Critchfield.

Ruth was a charter member of the Bedford Church of the Brethren.  She graduated from Somerset High School in 1944 and the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in education.  Before going to college, she was trained at Purdue as a draftsman and worked for RCA in Lancaster until the war was over.  She taught 3rd grade at Manns Choice for 10 years and filled in briefly on the school board for the Bedford School District. She was also a hostess at the Jean Bonnet Restaurant.  Ruth was a loving friend, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.   

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bedford Church of the Brethren with Karen Duhai officiating.  Friends will be received that Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ruth’s name can be made to the Bedford Church of the Brethren, PO Box 107, Bedford, PA 15522. Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com. 

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