Ruth Esther (Gordner) Meckley

Ruth Esther Gordner Meckley, 92, of Loyalsock Township, peacefully passed on to meet the Lord at Heaven’s Gate on May 19, 2022, at the home of her daughter in Pennsdale, PA. She was born in Millville, PA on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930, to Grant and Lois Kline Gordner.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 21 years, Nelson B. Silverstrim, Jr.; two of her six siblings, Dale (Faye) Gordner and Robert (Dorothy) Gordner all of Millville, PA; five children, Nancy M. Remy, of Oley, PA; James G. (Kathy) Meckley, of Loyalsock Township; John L. (Pascale) Meckley, of Binghamton, NY; David W. (Mary) Meckley, of Longboat Key, FL; and Carol L. Meckley of Pennsdale, PA; four step-sons, Nelson B. (Kathy) Silverstrim, lll of Forestburgh, NY; John (Brenda) Silverstrim, Gary (Karen) Silverstrim, and J. Andrew (Diane) Silverstrim all of South Williamsport; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, and 5 step great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her first husband of 39 years, George W. Meckley, DVM, on June 14, 1994.  Siblings Paul Gordner, Betty Gordner, Grant Gordner, Donald Gordner, and son-in-law Ronald Remy, all preceded her in death.

Ruth graduated from Millville High School in 1947, Thompson College (Stenography), Harrisburg, PA, in 1948, and Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA in 1956.  She worked as an obstetrical nurse in St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, GA while her husband George attended Veterinary School at the University of Georgia.  They settled in Williamsport, PA in 1962 to start a veterinary practice and Ruth was his assistant for 30 years all while raising her family.  She has been involved in several organizations over the years including President of the PTO, Christian Women’s Club, Bible Study Fellowship, and Loyalsock Garden Club.  She was a former member of Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA, and for the past 29 years a member of Balls Mills United Methodist Church, Cogan Station, PA.  Her strong faith was guided by her involvement in Sunday School and the many bible studies she attended.  Ruth and Esther, her namesakes, are the only books in the Bible that are named for women.  She would want us all to find comfort in this bible verse, “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you…” Deuteronomy 33:27

Ruth was a quiet soul, but full of grace and dedicated to her family, home, and work.  She still made time for traveling, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking delicious pies and Red Velvet cake, a family favorite.  Everyone always looked forward to her homemade caramels at Christmas.  Her favorite thing of all was having all her family together.  Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 68 Gordner Church Road, Unityville, PA 17774 on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. and services at 11:00 A.M.; interment to follow at the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to Stonecroft Ministries at Stonecroft.org/donate or Balls Mills United Methodist Church, Cogan Station, PA, or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Unityville, PA.

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