Ruth Elizabeth (Shoemaker) Kumler

Ruth E. Kumler, 95, of Mechanicsburg went to be with Jesus on Friday, October 13, 2023.  She was born on Sunday, June 3, 1928, in Norristown to the late Clarence H. Shoemaker and Sallie Tillarah (Gruber) Shoemaker.  Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Francis “Frank” R. Kumler, whom she married on June 11, 1955, and who died on January 4, 2016.  In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth is preceded in death by her two sons: Norman D. Kumler and Richard M. Kumler; and by her two siblings: Norman J. Shoemaker and H. Tillarah Shoemaker.

Ruth is survived by her seven grandchildren: Michael, Benjamin (and wife Serene), Shane, Jacob, Jessica (and husband Mike), Zachary (and wife Heather), and Amanda; and her eight great grandchildren.

Salutatorian of her class at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, she graduated Pi Beta Kappa from Gettysburg College, received fellowship from the General Electric Corporation and Nation Science Foundation and her MEd from Penn State. She spent most of her professional career as a math teacher at Mechanicsburg Senior High School. Her memberships included Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, National Educational Association, PA Educational Association, PA Association of the School Retirees, Penn State Alumni, Mechanicsburg Junior Woman’s Club, Camp Hill Woman’s Club, AARP (for over ten years as an instructor in their TAX-AIDE program) and Messiah Village Auxiliary, Tabitha Group, Cooking Club, and Chime Choir. She spent unnumerable hours in both knitting items for charitable organizations and square, round, and line dancing.

All are welcome to join Ruth’s family at her gathering on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a service beginning at 3:30 p.m. all at Mechanicsburg Cemetery, 137 West Marble Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend John Brock officiating. 

Ruth’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ruth’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.