Ruth V. McArthur, 89, resident of Elkland for the past 30 years, formerly of Hatfield Township, Pa. passed away suddenly Friday, May 10, 2013, at her home.
She was the beloved wife of Charles J. McArthur for over 67 years.
Born Mar. 3, 1924 in Philadelphia, she was the youngest daughter of the late Robert Lincoln and Edith (Morton) Kaler and a graduate of Hatfield High School in 1942. Upon graduation she worked in her father's textile business, R. L. Kaler Co. in Hatfield, and then at SKF, a war plant, until 1945. After the war she partnered beside her husband in his business, McArthur's Gun Shop and Sporting Goods, Colmar, Pa., for 34 years until retirement.
Ruth spent some of her retirement years tole painting and selling her work at many craft shows in Pennsylvania and New York. She was an avid hunter starting at a tender age of 13 and continuing to hunt well into her 80s. Her love of nature and especially watching birds gave her many happy hours. Ruth had several beloved dogs that were part of her life throughout the years. She was eager to learn about new things and embraced her computer with a passion. Being adventurous was also part of who she was as she demonstrated by driving her Yamaha Rhino on her 200 acre mountain homestead.
Ruth was a Christian and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother putting family first in her heart and deed. She cherished her nieces and nephew and was also a step grandmother of two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-grand-son, and two great-great-granddaughters.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Charles; three daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn R. and Larry Alderfer, Green Lane, Pa.; Rae L. Griffith, Elkland; Gail L. and Wayne A. Stover, Howard; 4 grandchildren, Gregory Scott Alderfer, Leslie Rae Paul, Jeremy Scott Griffith and Kelly Rae Schavnis; 7 great-grandchildren, Steven Gregory, Jacob Anthony, Alexandra Rae, Lydia Ruth, Emma Marie, Brendan Charles and Thomas Joseph.
She was predeceased by siblings, Evelyn Spanninger, Edith Kaler, and Robert Lincoln Kaler, Jr.
Ruth will be forever loved, cherished and missed by her family.
A private family service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Ruth's name, to one of her favorite charities: any local SPCA, animal shelter or the Salvation Army.
Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main Street, Mansfield, Pa. 16933 is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.

PUBLISHED IN THE MAY 15 ISSUE OF THE FREE PRESS-COURIER