Ruth E. (Swartzwelder) Clark

Ruth E. Clark (Swartzwelder), 90 of Everett, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 8, 2023 while visiting family.  She was born on November 25, 1932 in Breezewood, a daughter of the late Harry O. and Elsie V. (Lane) Swartzwelder.

On July 13, 1950, she married her husband of 66 years, Rowland A. “Bun” Clark.  He preceded her in death on October 18, 2016.  

     She is survived by their three children:  Rodney A. Clark, husband of Marti S. (Stein) of Everett; Ginger S., wife of Barry L. Morgret of Breezewood and Dr. Treva A. Clark of Lancaster, Pa.; grandchildren, Trent C. Edwards (Nikki) of Bedford, Craig P. Edwards (Sandy) of La Grange, Ky., Elizabeth A. (Beth) Hess (Wayde) of Everett and Wendy L. Evans (Curt) of Mooresville, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Larkyn, Matthew and Joshua Edwards and Erix and Tai Edwards, one step granddaughter Amanda (Morgret) Azizi married to Albin, Ryan Hess and Rebecca (Hess) Yost married to Nathan and Cameron, Spencer and Drew Evans; great-great granddaughter Holland Yost.  Ruth was greatly anticipating the birth of twin great-great grandsons due soon.  She is also survived by siblings: Harry O. Swartzwelder, Jr. married to Nancy (Showalter), Robert E. Swartzwelder married to Linda (Weicht) and Ora married to Gary Foor; nieces raised in the family home, Connie, married to Randy Baughman, and Arlene, married to Richard Duppstadt. 

    In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by siblings, Vera Nave, Cora Colledge, Mary Rzeppa, Grace Swartzwelder, Blair Swartzwelder, Edna Swartzwelder and Ada Clark.

    Ruth was a 1950 graduate of Everett High School and Altoona Beauty School.  She was a member of the First Christian Church in Everett and over the years served as Sunday School teacher, on Church Council and was a faithful member of the Nevertheless Sunday School class.

    She and her husband “Bun” owned and operated Clark’s Juniata Hotel in Everett from 1969 to 1979.  Following its sale, she worked at New Concepts Clothing Store and Zimmerman’s Hardware in Everett, after which she served as Deputy Treasurer and Jury Commissioner of Bedford County.     

    Ruth was a dedicated volunteer serving for many years at In One Accord Ministries (formerly Love in the Name of Christ) and for 20 years at the Everett Food Bank, and never turned down an opportunity to help a neighbor or friend.  She was a fixture in Bedford County Republican politics, receiving the Committee’s Lifetime Achievement award for her service and commitment as both a Committeeperson and member of the Executive Committee.  She cared about her country, state and community.  She played a behind the scenes role organizing events and always working for and with candidates.      

    Ruth’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.  She loved following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their activities and was extremely proud of all their accomplishments.  She also enjoyed tending her flowers, caring for her home and being outside enjoying the beauty of God’s Creation.  Her neighbors young and old were a great blessing to her and she cherished those friendships.      

    Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Akers Funeral Home with Rev. Robert R. Robertson officiating.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to In One Accord Ministries in Everett or the Everett Food Bank.

    Family and friends may call at the Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett on Wednesday, October 11th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

    Burial will be held at the Everett Cemetery.

    Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com        

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.