Ruth M. Strong

Ruth M. Strong, 88, of Montoursville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Edenbrook North.

Born July 22, 1937, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late William M. and Ruth E. (Bower) Stone.

Ruth graduated from Williamsport High School in 1955, where she and the love of her life, Wade M. Strong, first sat together in history class and went on to make history together. Following high school, Ruth earned her nursing degree from Temple School of Nursing in Philadelphia.

On August 19, 1961, she married Wade, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned nearly 65 years. The newlyweds first relocated so Wade could complete his education before settling in California, where they built their life together and remained for more than 40 years. Ruth dedicated her career to nursing, retiring in 1999 after many years of compassionate service. In 2005, she and Wade returned home to Montoursville, where they happily spent the next 20 years surrounded by family, friends, and familiar roots. She loved hosting gatherings of all kinds, especially Christmas parties and family celebrations, where her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

Ruth and Wade were blessed with a beloved son, Steven W. Strong, daughter-in-law, Laurie, and later found immense joy in their grandsons, Wade and Connor Strong. They enjoyed playing cards. Ruth and Wade loved welcoming family members to California, often serving as enthusiastic tour guides and sharing the beauty of their Northern California home. In retirement, they continued their adventures together with friends, Bud, Fran, Erdean and Fred, traveling throughout the country and enjoying cruises that created many cherished memories.

After returning to Pennsylvania, Ruth devoted her time to serving others through volunteer work with Sister Henry’s Soup Kitchen and was a faithful member of St. Boniface Catholic Church.

Ruth also enjoyed trying her luck at the slot machines. Whether she won a jackpot or simply filled a bucket with nickels, she celebrated every victory as though it were a million-dollar prize.

In addition to her husband, Wade, and their son, Steven (Laurie) and grandsons, Wade and Connor, she is survived by her sister, Judy Smith Lupole, of Williamsport, and her brother, Bill Stone (Marlin), of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Patricia Grove, and a brother-in-law, Larry Lupole.

A memorial service to honor Ruth’s life will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, July 2 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond Street, Williamsport. A private Burial in Montoursville Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until the time of service Thursday at Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made on Ruth’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.