Ruth Bertolet Oehrle

Ruth Bertolet Oehrle, age 98, died May 4, 2012, in Bryn Mawr at Rosemont Presbyterian Village where she had been assisted in living for the past two years. Ruth was the daughter of the late Elmer C. Bertolet and Aurelia Shoemaker Bertolet. The Bertolets emigrated from Gstaad, Switzerland to Berks County, Pennsylvania in 1743. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert. Ruth Bertolet was born in Philadelphia on September 18, 1913, the elder of two children. She was graduated in 1930 from Philadelphia High School for Girls, and, in 1934, was awarded a BS degree in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College. Three years ago she was delighted to be able to attend her 75th reunion. In 1939, she and Albert C. Oehrle were married in Philadelphia. By 1946, they had four children. In 1955 she was left to raise them by herself when her husband died suddenly of a heart attack. Looking for work to support her family, Ruth had several careers, among them a long tenure at The Agnes Irwin School where she taught science and math, and several years as a receptionist at her son's law firm in Norristown. On her eightieth birthday she began work in the Payroll Department of Villanova University. During her employment she was pictured on the cover of the national magazine, Paytech. She worked at Villanova until she was 88. After retiring from Villanova, she worked for a few more years at Rittenhouse Book Distributors as a bookkeeper. She was happy to be able to work in meaningful employment. Well into her nineties she drove a stick shift automobile. Ruth will be remembered as steady, generous, self-effacing, straight-forward, matter-of-fact, literal, even-tempered, cheerful, and upbeat. Her son, Albert, says, "I never heard her say a sarcastic word or express an unkind thought about anyone." Ruth died gracefully in old age. She recently said, "It's been a great life! I've had a lot of fun!" She is survived by her children Albert C. Oehrle (Barbara), Mary O. French, John B. Oehrle (Cathryn) and Richart T. Oehrle (Susan), seven grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Contributions may be made in her memory to The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church or to The Haverford School. Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home www.chadwickmckinney.com