Obituary of Ruth M. Harteis

HARTEIS – Ruth Matilda, 93, Ebensburg. Our dear mother died peacefully July 22, 2011, at home. Born May 26, 1918, in Summerhill. Ruth was the daughter of A. Oliver and Matilda Shrift Bodenschatz. She was preceded in death by parents; her husband, Lawrence A. Harteis; sons, Larry Joe and Thomas Paul; daughter, Teresa Lynette; grandson, W. Todd Harteis; daughter-in-law, Adena Harteis; son-in-law, Don L. Kristinik; brothers, Herbert, Robert and Charles Bodenschatz; and sisters, Leona Rosage and Caroline Kessler. Surviving are her daughters, Nancy Harteis Itle, and five children; Joan Harteis Malmstone, and husband, Fred, and two children; Jean Harteis Hever, and husband, John, and one child; Kathy Harteis Parrish, and husband, Richard, and four children; Mary Harteis Dunn, and husband, Tommy, and two children; Ruth Harteis Kofke, and husband, Bill, and three children; and Anne Harteis Watroba, and husband, Stanley “Tim,” and three children; her sons, William F. Harteis, and wife, Nancy, and four children; Mrs. Thomas Harteis and four children; James L. Harteis, and wife, Ruth, and four children; Jerry J. Harteis, and wife, Polly, and three children; Fred C. Harteis, and wife, Linda, and three children; Joseph C. Harteis, and wife, Sandy, and four children; and Greg J. Harteis, and three children. She also is survived by sisters, Magdalene Plummer and Rosemarie Weinzierl. Mother was very proud of her 46 grandchildren and her 60-plus great-grandchildren. A lifelong member of Holy Name Church in Ebensburg, Ruth was devoted to serve in numerous ways to support her church family. Her faith was strong and was the gift she passed on to her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Her family was her passion as she delighted in their joys, felt their pain and celebrated their accomplishments. She always encouraged us to do our very best at everything. Mother (Grammy) was a model of spirituality, and her ability to comfort and console will be her legacy. She was very creative – a painter, winemaker, cook, seamstress and public speaker. Whatever it was, she was always open to try new things. At age 92, she delivered a motivational speech to a gathering of hundreds of Amway sales people. Throughout her life, she was an inspiration to all she encountered. She loved gathering people together and organizing groups – Farm Women, Catholic Daughters, 4-H clubs¸ dairy princess contests, hoagie sales, International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE), local political groups and wherever she felt called to serve. The Harteis home was always a gathering place for family and friends. There was always fresh food and lots of fun for all. Mother’s annual gatherings of her super-sized family for Christmas parties and the family reunions on the farm were legendary. She accumulated many friends through her giving spirit, her sense of humor and her generous heart. Mother leaves behind a million great memories and a legacy of a happy life that was lived so fully. Her life is celebrated by many, remembered by all she touched and cherished by those left behind. One of her favorite charities was Birthright of Johnstown, 111 Walnut St., Suite 201, Johnstown, Pa. 15901. Contributions may be made in her honor. Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Msgr. Arnold L. Gaus. Committal, Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.