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Larry & Nancy Allen
March 13, 2021
Russ was a man of sterling character. The one trait that was marked as of chief importance was prayer. Sometimes with great effort, he would get up before the sun was shining and go to the Men's Prayer group to pray for an hour. Even though he knew this would throw off his daily routine, it was a necessary part of his life.
Faithfulness to the Lord and to His people were so evident as important in Russ' life. Generosity was a result of this kind of love. We miss our friend as we call to mind his life and his ministry. Love, Lj and Nj Allen.
Tony Murrin
March 14, 2020
Uncle Russ always had time to talk and very interested in the ministry here in Bolivia and what God was doing. Appreciated his heart for the Lord and this same heart was transmitted and evident in his whole family. We sure loved Uncle Russ and Aunt Nell and the whole family. Praying for all of you today. Tony and Joanna
Cleonia Walker
March 20, 2019
How quickly time goes by. It doesn't seem like a year since Russ' passing. Looking at his picture reminds me of his nice smile and the thoughtfulness he brought to Manna Bible Institute's Board of Directors. His wisdom is truly missed. I pray Eleanor and the family are well.
Cleonia J. Walker
Manna Bible Institute
Paul Holschuh
July 2, 2018
I recently learned of Russ' passing while listening to sermons from Bethany Bible Fellowship on u-tube. I first met Russ and Nell at Bethany after moving to Hatfield to attend Biblical (BTS). During my search to find a home church, upon my very first visit, Nell introduced herself and then introduced me to others in the church, including her family, and she also invited me to join her family for lunch out following the service. Although I declined the first invite, Nell graciously asked again the following Sunday if I would like to join them for lunch. I accepted the invite and I was so impressed by the Ruch's kindness and hospitality that it was very easy to choose a church home. During my time as a student at seminary the Ruchs welcomed me into their home for weekly meals and shared their lives and much encouragement. The conversation around the table was especially enjoyable and inspiring. Nell often encouraged me to let others know that there was still room around the table for others to join in (like fellow roommates from school e.g. Trinity House). I was included in other family traditions like summer volleyball /BBQs (that Dorothy and others helped organize) and if my memory serves me, I also attended Russ' 60th birthday celebration. I recall Nell telling me that "longevity" was not a trait enjoyed by some in Russ' family. She was sharing how it is important to enjoy our loved ones while they are still with us. I appreciate the homespun wisdom, as well as, the heavenly wisdom that I found through these special occasions. It seems Russ beat the statistics and enjoyed length of days in which to be blessed and to be a blessing to many. He was a quiet man but it was not an uncomfortable type of quietness with him, he appeared to be content and thankful and he was also warm and welcoming. Yes, as many mentioned in the memorial service and here in this guest book, Russ administered a very tangible love with his smile. He did not need to say much when that smile and his gift of listening and understanding spoke volumes. I believe the Bible refers to Russ' exemplary nature in terms of being quick to listen slow to speak and slow to become angry. Much more could be said and should be said. I hope others will continue to share with this family their memories and continue to praise God for this humble servant of the King, Russell Ruch. Thank you Ruchs for making room around your table for me and opening up your lives to welcome others, like me, to feel like part of your family. I am especially grateful that Russ and Nell were able to make the journey to New Jersey to attend my wedding day back in October of 1998 and share in the joy of that special day. Although there is still sadness involved with the passing of one so loved and one who lived so much, still I am thankful to be able to express my thoughts with those who can read these words and say amen, well done, Russ surely has heard those very words from his Lord. Thank you family.
Donna Baker
March 30, 2018
Dear Nell and family, having known Russ for several years as his therapist he was a very faithful man of God. He shared many wonderful memories of his life, especially his trips across the states. Always a pleasure to have him and Nell visit, he gave more than I could ever give in return.
He will be greatly missed by his earthly family and friends but is now with God and the angels in a more beautiful place that is without pain and suffering.
The obituary of Russ is a wonderful tribute to such an amazing man. May God give you comfort in your loss. With love, Donna
Margie Cherry
March 29, 2018
Russ, my dear brother-in law for the last 60 years and friend since 1954.He was a wonderful part of our family and showed an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.
Bob Motley
March 27, 2018
A gifted and humble manIm so glad that I had the opportunity to be Russ personal physician from the late 80s through 2006. Russ and Eleanor brought joy to many lives through their ministry and though the love and witness they shared with others on a daily basis. Will miss you, Russ. Til we meet again...
Eleanor Ruch
March 25, 2018
Cathy (Mrs. Greg Pfeiffer) wrote the following for the Guest Book: (( am copying it here.)
Every time when I think about Russ, is his big and heartfelt smiling, his gentle words, and his welcoming laughters! 20 years ago when I just moved to America, I met Russ and Nell in a Chinese restaurant as their waitress. While I was struggling trying to survive in a new country, new culture, new language, new environment, and being very homesick, Russ and Nell's heartfelt welcoming and their encouragement made a huge impact in those early years of mine. They have been a great influence to me and my family ever since!
Russ, we loved you and miss you very much! But we are comforted to know that you are in a better place where we shall meet again. You will be dearly missed by me, my family, and a lot of others whom you made difference in their lives!!
Cathy & Gregory Pfeiffer
March 25, 2018
Every time when I think about Russ, is his big and heartfelt smiling, his gentle words, and his welcoming laughters! 20 years ago when I just moved to America, I met Russ and Nell in a Chinese restaurant as their waitress. While I was struggling trying to survive in a new country, new culture, new language, new environment, and being very homesick, Russ and Nell's heartfelt welcoming and their encouragement made a huge impact in those early years of mine. They have been a great influence to me and my family ever since! Russ, we loved you and miss you very much! But we are comforted to know that you are in a better place where we shall meet again. You will be dearly missed by me, my family, and a lot of others whom you made difference in their lives!!
Sondra House
March 24, 2018
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Gail is my cousin. May God see you through this time with loving arms.
Eleanor Z Ruch
March 24, 2018
To all who visit here, thank you SO much for your time and expressions. We asked the Lord to gather Russ to Himself last Saturday night....and encouraged Russ to freely go when the Lord came for him...that we would be okay.
At 1:20 Sunday morning, March 18, Russ DID leave for Heaven. We were relieved for him even while we grieve but not as those without hope.
Our eternal hope and awareness of God's current presence give us courage, that where the Lord is, there we will be someday since He is preparing a place for us.
"Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time."
Lovingly, Nell for the Ruch family
Mara and Mauro Keen/Lanzisera
March 23, 2018
What a wonderful legacy Russ left. And we at Locust Valley Chapel are privileged to worship with his son, Jon, and Gail, Jon's wife. I know you brought your children up to know and then grow in Jesus. Our sympathy to the family and our praise for Russ's life here and now face to face with our Lord and Savior,
Wendy Younglove
March 23, 2018
I appreciate Russ and Eleanor and his family. They have been a part of mine and my families life for a very long time. They have always prayed for me and still do. We are going to miss Russ very much. He is with Jesus now. He is going to see Jesus rise from the grave. Love and miss you Russ. We will see you in heaven someday and thank you for being part our lives. We will take care of your family as much as we can. R.I.P our friend - from the Younglove Family
Nathan E Adams
March 23, 2018
Elder Ruch was a giant among men. His love for Christ and faithfulness in serving others. May you find strength in our Savior Jesus Christ. Psa.27:14. Manna Bible Inst. Board member
Nancy and Jim Curley
March 22, 2018
So sorry to hear. It is not easy I know. Prayers are with you and the entire family.
March 22, 2018
I was sorry to learn of the home going of a dear friend and brother in the Lord. May you and the your family be encouraged knowing that he is in a far better place.
Cleonia J. Walker, Manna Bible Institute - Philadelphia, PA
Rob Vaughn
March 22, 2018
Angela and I are sad -- but joyful. Russ precedes us into the presence of Jesus. What could be greater?
Russ and Nell -- a true "Priscilla and Aquila couple" (Romans 16:3-4) -- are dear to many for their years of work in helping to establish churches, including ours. Russ always cheered us with a smile and encouraging words. He was a "mover and shaker" for the Lord, and great is his reward!
May the Lord Jesus encourage you, Nell, and give you comfort, peace and joy.
Nancy Bitikofer
March 20, 2018
I'm glad for the family faith in God and for releasing husband, father,grandfather, christian man of God to go to his heavenly home, his eternal reward. Blessings to all the family.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Funeral services provided by:
Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home667 Harleysville Pike, Telford, PA 18969

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