John K. Ruth

John K. Ruth, age 85, of Souderton, died Friday afternoon, May 31, 2024, at Grand View Health, where he was a patient. He was the husband of Ruth (Landis) Ruth of Souderton. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley (Stroup) Ruth in 1994. Born in West Rockhill Township Bucks County, PA, he was the son of the late John L. Ruth and Lizzie Mae (Kratz) Ruth of Lansdale, PA.
John sold produce from the family garden in their neighborhood. He apprenticed in a Lansdale paint store where his father, a house painter, frequently visited. Eventually he bought his own store in Glenside, PA and over time he bought the nearby hardware store as well. With the advent of big box stores, John decided to sell his stores. With his wife Shirley, John started driving school buses, and eventually drove tour buses to New York City and Atlantic City. He enjoyed some years as a chauffeur and knew all the good spots to eat.
John attended Christopher Dock High School. His interests included music (singing and playing the piano), sailing and connecting with friends and bus buddies. He was pleased to keep up to date with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family dogs. John was a diehard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan and enjoyed watching the games on TV.
In addition to his wife Ruth, he is survived by his children: Jeannette Renner (Dave) of Chestertown, MD, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, Deborah Bergey (Scott) of Gilbertsville, PA, 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, John Brian Ruth (Laura) of Chestertown, MD, 6 grandchildren, his sister Mary Mingledorff of Grand Rapids, MI, Dan Mingledorff (Amy) of Canton, MI, Beth Mingledorff of Grand Rapids.
Also surviving is his extended family: Jim Swartley (Lynn) of Quakertown, PA, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Trish Hoover (Wendell) of Souderton PA, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, Carol Ulrich (Buddy) of Colmar, PA. 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and first wife Shirley, John was preceded in death by his older brother, David Kratz Ruth, his stepson, Dennis Swartley, his brother-in-law, Tom Mingledorff and daughter-in-law, Cherene Dawn Ruth in 2010.
The interment will take place at Line Lexington Mennonite Church Cemetery on Saturday, June 15 at 10:00 AM. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, Inc., 667 Harleysville Pike (Rt. 113), Telford, PA 18969. The family will greet friends at 11:00AM, with the service to follow at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made, in John's name, to Grand View Health (Hospice), PO Box 902, Sellersville, PA 18960.