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Ruth M. Goepfert, affectionately known as "Mrs. G.", 88, of Hummelstown, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Palmerton, PA on December 23, 1925, she was the daughter of the late William R. and Myrtle J. Mooney.
Ruth was a health & physical education teacher at Middletown Area High School from 1962 until her retirement in 1988. While there she was very active and enjoyed helping to shape many of her students' lives serving as advisor for the cheerleaders, student council, and class council, and coaching basketball. She graduated from East Stroudsburg Teacher's College where she was class valedictorian and participated in swimming, diving, gymnastics, basketball, field hockey, and softball. She was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at East Stroudsburg University in 1995. As a member of the Hummelstown United Church of Christ, she taught the Sunday School kindergarten class for 40 years, encouraging lively music participation with the children.
Ruth's love of teaching, sports, and community continued when she became instrumental in establishing the Hummelstown Swim Club in 1959, and remained its only president for 55 years. Being proactive and understanding the importance of "drown proofing" children, she started the Learn To Swim Program over 50 years ago. She established the Hummelstown Swim Team (Flamingos) at the Hummelstown Swim Club and was influential in helping to launch a swim team at Lower Dauphin High School. The Lower Dauphin Swim Team now gives the Ruth Goepfert Scholar Athlete Award to an individual exemplifying "SPIRIT" qualities of Scholar, Passion, Integrity, Reflection, Involvement, and Teamwork. Ruth recently received the Lower Dauphin Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2013 for service to her community.
Ruth collected clowns, was a Hershey Bears fan, enjoyed the Cupid Shuffle daily at the pool, and loved everything related to Disney, including many trips to Disney World where she was an avid pin trader. Much of her time was dedicated to her duties, projects, and lifeguards at the Swim Club. She loved working with youth because she said, "It keeps me young!" Encouraging, positive, and always leading by example, Mrs. G. will be remembered by many for taking time to listen and her "How does this look?" lessons. Devoted and wise, family meant everything to her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John L. "Jack" Goepfert, and her brothers, Richard Mooney and Donald Mooney.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Linda L. Goepfert wife of Richard L. Walters of Hershey; her son, Douglas J. Goepfert husband of Gayle Z. Goepfert of Hershey; her four grandchildren, Jenna L. Walters, Lauren M. Goepfert fiancée of Brian deBrauwere, Kristen H. Walters, and Adam C. Goepfert; and her brother, Bruce Mooney of Marlton, NJ.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at 10:30 AM in the Hummelstown United Church of Christ, 104 East Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Interment will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, March 21, 2014, from 6 to 9 PM in the church and again on Saturday from 9 AM until time of services.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Hummelstown Swim Club, 270 Linden Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the services.
Online condolences may be shared at www.trefzandbowser.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sympathy to the family of Ruth I have long considered her a friend
and will miss seeing her smiling face.
Jeanette Lerch
April 4, 2014
I knew Mrs. Goephert from around town and working at the Hummelstown Pool. She was like a second mom to me and she will be missed.
George Spaseff
April 2, 2014
Dear Linda and Doug,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Ruth lived a wonderful life and she lives within each of us who were blessed to know her. You both are amazing tributes to your parents.
Love,
Linda and Foster
Linda Kreiser
March 26, 2014
Condolences to every family member and friend of "Mrs. G". I knew her since...well actually...most of my life, or at least since I can remember! Memories are precious and my earliest memory of Mrs. G was in the kindergarten Sunday School room of the Hummelstown UCC - she loved to "tickle" the ivory keys and sing "Yes, Jesus loves you".
Linda and Doug - thank you for sharing your Mother with all of us - we all learned so much from her. The most important lesson...be the best person you can be, be respectful and NEVER say you can't accomplish a goal you have.
Mrs. G - rest in peace, teach the angels you meet how to do the perfect dive and keep a watchful eye over all of us!
Kathy Musser-Rossi
March 21, 2014
I will always remember Mrs. Goepfert as one of the most energetic and amazing ladies I knew! Her love of teaching children whether it be in Sunday School or at the Swim Club always had me in awe. We are all very blessed to have been some part of Mrs. G's family at some point. My sympathy to her family. My hope is that Mrs. G is teaching some angels the Cupid Shuffle. She will be missed!
Cathy Kolakowski
March 21, 2014
To the Goepfert and Walters Families; I'm so sorry to hear of "Mrs. G's passing and sorry for your loss.
She was a wonderful lady who gave so much to the community and the youth of the area. She will be missed by all who knew her. My deepest sympathy to all of you and to the grandchildren she loved so much.
Gary Montgomery
March 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs. G. She was the fastest two-finger typist that I ever saw. I thank her for her friendship, advice, guidance, teachings, dedication to our sports programs and for caring about the students. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Fran Leonhard, Class of 71
March 20, 2014
So sorry to hear of your great loss.
Stephanie & Dan Verdelli
March 20, 2014
Condolences to the family of this very special person. Mrs. Goepfert was a very influential person in my life and I am still sharing lessons learned from her. It was so good seeing Mrs. G. at the Homecoming 2013 festivities and having a few laughs together.
Rest in peace....
Carol Chubb Jones, MAHS class of '73
March 20, 2014
A legend has been born. A saint has gone to her reward. Wear your crown of glory, good and faithful servant!
You will be remembered.
Erika Zinkan
March 20, 2014
Dear Linda and Doug
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bucky and Carol Mooney
March 20, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the Goepfert family, your friends at Faulkner Subaru.
Chris Remmey
March 20, 2014
Linda and Doug, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I truly appreciate your mother teaching me how to swim, keeping the HS a safe and fun place to swim, and hiring me as a life guard when I was young. She had a joy for life and will be missed. Her memory will live on forever in my heart.
Sherry Reed-Breckenmaker
March 19, 2014
Dear Linda and Doug,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Pat (Goldstein) Lawson
March 19, 2014
Mrs. G really enjoyed teaching the Sunday School kindergarten children. She played piano while we sang and her always positive energy had all the kids eagerly participating; many of our songs included some physical activity. She had a cheerful, get things done attitude and was very devoted to the swim club and her family. She will be greatly missed.
Christina Schmoyer
March 19, 2014
Such a special woman. Motivated more young people that any can imagine. She will be missed by all. My heart and prayers are with her family.
Peggy Dunbar Granger, Class of '67
March 19, 2014
Dear Linda and Doug,
Our deepest sympathies.
She really is not gone. She lives on in you and your wonderful families
Grayce and Mack Copeland
March 19, 2014
Dear Jenna and family, We were so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. It was always fun seeing you at swimming competitions and competing against one another, with Mom and Grandma by your side. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, MaryAnn & Leanne Rowland-Slough
MaryAnn Rowland
March 18, 2014
To Mrs. G.'s family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. I join the many other students from MAHS who were positively impacted by Mrs. G.'s leadership, motivation, and deep passion to help us grow into responsible adults. As a cheerleader and Student Council President, she taught me accountability, service, and even when one worked hard, she can always have fun. Thank you, Mrs. G. for believing in all of us.
Teresa Poplawski Hartmann, Class of '79
March 18, 2014
Dear Linda, Doug and Family,
My MOST SINCERE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS are with you at this most difficult time. I've known Ruth (Mrs. "G") since the 1950's and thought the WORLD of her, she was always so filled with energy and made everyone feel so VERY SPECIAL and always took the time to Listen and make you feel at ease. Her legacy will live through all of us and we are ALL BETTER for having her in our lives.
GOD BLESS YOU RUTH, you WILL BE IN MY HEART FOREVER.
Newman Stare
Newman Stare
March 18, 2014
Mrs. G. was certainly a Middletown legend. Many students were affected by her actions and dedication.
Mary Bigelow
March 18, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the entire Goepfert family. Nana Ruth was quite a woman and possessed spunk, wit, a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor. I am glad I got to know her. She leaves many lasting memories for her family, friends and former students.
Nicole Fisher
March 18, 2014
As a former student of Mrs. Goepfert, I benefited by a teacher who taught me the value of hard work, integrity, commitment, loyalty, and dedication. I took her photo a few months ago at MAHS Homecoming and she was the same as she ever was. She was always smiling, and never forgot who you were, no matter how many years had passed. She was an asset to MAHS. All her former students were positively influenced by having known her and having her as a teacher. Heaven has gained an angel, blessings to all her family and friends with love.
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
Cheri Chichi
March 18, 2014
I always looked forward to the stories she had to tell, lessons she would pass and the ability to make us all smile. She was an inspiration to me and a reminder not to give up ~ no matter how tough it seemed.
I will never watch a hockey game the same after attending Bears games with her. ;)
Going to the pool will never be the same and the "mom section" will miss her dearly but we know she will always be in our corner. I also know she will make sure we have the best sunny pool days ever.
Love you Mrs. G ~ going to miss you!
Thoughts and prayers to the family. God Bless.
April LaFleur
March 18, 2014
Mrs. Goepfert was one of a kind! My favorite teacher and cheerleading coach (Class of 1978). She truly cared for her students and taught you life lessons, that you continue today.
To her family...may you find comfort in GOD thru this time of sorrow.
Godspeed Mrs. G. Keep those girls in line in heaven!
Vera Mae Fultz-Piccolo
March 18, 2014
To Aunt Ruth, family was everything! I have fond memories of staying at her home when I was young. She taught me that there were chores to do before having fun catching butterflies. Fizzies and chips with lunch were special treats. I will miss her fun loving and caring ways. She was a special person in my life!
Donna (Dodo) Wisocky-Cronin
March 18, 2014
Her last year was 1988 for my daughter Nikki's cheerleaders and class advisor...they held a surprise ceremony for her and the biggest surprise was when Mr. Brunner came in..two icons of Middletown...our school district and all those students were blessed to have known them both. GOD SPEED.
Judy Douglass
March 18, 2014
Godspeed, Mrs.G. Many life lessons that I learned from you are still resonating in my life today. What a wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend you were. The class of '72 was truly blessed with your visit to our reunion social in 2012. Heartfelt sympathy to the Goepfert family. What a life well lived!
Debbie Russ Carnes
March 18, 2014
My condolences to the Family. Mrs. G was a wonderful gym teacher. May she rest peacefully in her new life. God Bless.
Bertina Groves-Williamson
March 18, 2014
Mrs. G was special beyond words. As my cheerleading coach, teacher & role model she taught me lessons that have endured through my lifetime.
During my teaching career I tried to reflect lessons learned from Mrs. G. .
Knowing her was a blessing.
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dara (mcGrath) Shank
March 18, 2014
40 years since I cheered for Mrs. Goepfert and I still share stories and pass the lessons she taught me on to my students. The seeds she sowed in life will bear fruit for years to come. What an amazing life.
My condolences to the family and Godspeed, Mrs. G.
Paige (Walker) Pavlishin
March 18, 2014
Mrs. Goepfert was our class advisor, a wonderful gym teacher, and a woman who I learned great lessons from in high school. I will always remember her fondly. I was her secretary/go girl in my senior year and her and I became quite close. She took great care of all of her cheerleaders for so many years at MAHS. She was one of the most devoted teachers ever. She will be greatly missed but will live on in my heart forever. Anyone who knew her can consider themselves blessed.
Wendy Wise Loranzo MAHS '80
March 18, 2014
Mrs. Goepfert was an awesome person. She could be tough, at times, but that is what made us a better person. She will truly missed by everyone, that she touched their lives. My thoughts go out to the entire family. RIP Mrs. Goepfert.
Kim Gutshall Berkheimer
March 18, 2014
She was a great lady, and we will all miss her
Mary Brinser
March 18, 2014
Mrs. G was one of a kind! Our family has been part of the Hummelstown Swim Club family for the past several years and know it won't be the same without her. She was so dedicated to the swim club and made it such a great place for family fun and memories. We hope the cupid shuffle will always take place a 3PM in memory of Mrs. G. We also hope the swim club will not change from what Mrs. G made it. Our Condolences to the family, as I can't imagine the loss you must be feeling. We know Mrs. G will continue to watch over all the families at the swim club and we will always remember her!
March 18, 2014
Mrs G was a big part of my childhood. Many fond memories of her and the pool. She has touched so many peoples lives and will be missed by many.
Ashley Beck-Wagner
March 18, 2014
Our loss is Heaven's gain. A caring, loving, hard working, regimented lady. Her love of all of the students made Middletown High School a better place. The personal sacrifice of time for all of the high school activities...and those of the Hummelstown Pool, should be an example to all. Her friendship since high school was treasured and will be missed. She taught more valuable lessons than just gym and excercise. She even visited the Class of 83 reunion this past Fall. Classmates commented on her generous effort to make it and say "hi". Deepest sympathy to the family. They were very fortunate to have such a wonderful person in their life. I will deeply miss her!
John Wilsbach
March 18, 2014
What a wonderful lady who was a tremendous role model and leader. As a former student of Mrs. Goepfert, she taught me the value of hard work, integrity, commitment, loyalty, and dedication. I saw her a few months ago at MAHS Homecoming and she was the same as she ever was. Always a smile, an encouraging word, a stern look when needed, and a pat on the back when doing a good job. She was an asset to the Middletown Area School District and the Middletown Area High School. I am a better person for having known her and from having her as a teacher. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends in this difficult time. God Bless.
Earl Bright IV
March 18, 2014
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