RUTH M. (Grover) MEHLER

     Ruth Mina Mehler (nee Grover), our beloved family matriarch, passed away on June 28, 2023, at the age of 85. She resided in Harrisburg, PA, but was formerly a long-time resident of Columbus, NJ.   

     Her story began April 12, 1938, in Burlington, NJ. The daughter of Blanchard and Edna Grover (both deceased), formerly of Pemberton and Vincentown, NJ, Ruth was a 1956 graduate of Pemberton Borough High School. In 1959, Ruth married the love of her life, William B. Mehler, after meeting in church when Ruth was singing in the choir. If you ever heard Ruth sing, you would know that this was true love. Their opening conversation was rumored to have involved a shared love of ceramic skunks (and in Bill’s case, a skunk tattoo). Their marriage was one of enduring love, devotion, and faithfulness. Together they raised two daughters, Pamela A. Crist of Harrisburg, PA, and Cynthia K. Burdine of Double Oak, TX.

     In her younger years, Ruth was known as one of the fastest blueberry packers in the Pemberton and New Lisbon area. She and her husband shared in many endeavors but were perhaps best known in the 1970s and 1980s as proprietors of the General Store in Columbus, NJ. Her passion for playing pinochle and 500 rummy was well known by her family, with whom she spent many happy hours beating those willing to play. Her life glorified God and she was a good and faithful servant to family and friends alike. Her caring and generous spirit were evident to all. We are rejoicing that she is well and whole again.

     Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Blanchard and Edna Grover; older brother William; and younger brother Roger. She is survived by William (Bill), her husband of 64 years; daughters Pamela A. Crist of Harrisburg, PA; Cynthia K. (David) Burdine of Double Oak, TX; brother Herb (Linda) Grover of Pagosa Springs, CO; granddaughter Lynn (Jason) Fallinger; grandson James Burdine; granddaughter Katherine Burdine; great-grandson Brady Fallinger; great-granddaughter Bailey Fallinger; sixteen nieces and nephews; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

     Graveside services will be held at 10am on July 17 at Odd fellows Cemetery, Pemberton Borough, NJ. The family would love to invite you to join us afterward at O’Connor’s, 1383 Monmouth Road, Eastampton, NJ 08060 to break bread and share stories. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation in Ruth’s honor be made to  “The Country Meadows Co-worker Foundation”, to meet the needs of the caregivers that have done so much for her. Credit card donations can be made at https://www.countrymeadows.com/about-us/co-worker-foundation. Checks can be mailed to: Ecumenical, 3525 Canby Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of RUTH M. (Grover) MEHLER, please visit our floral store.