Obituary of Ruth P. Edwards

EDWARDS - Ruth P. (Parkin), 85, Ebensburg, entered her new life Dec. 13, 2006. Born in Idamar, daughter of William and Amanda (Reed) Parkin. Preceded in death by husband, Thomas Harold Edwards, in 1966; brothers, William and David "Sparky" Parkin; and sisters, Agnes Orange, Mary Ford and Bernice Hanna. Survived by daughters, Ruth Elaine "Bunny" Smith, and husband, Thomas E., Chandler, Ariz.; Susan Edwards Phillips, and husband, Jerry B., Charlotte N.C.; and Claudia E. O'Neill, and husband, Thomas L., Leola. Also survived by grandchildren, T. Apryl Southmayd, and husband, John; Kara Smith Young, and husband, Matthew; Thomas Edwards O'Neill; Andrew Ryan O'Neill; and Cathryn Ann O'Neill; three stepgrandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Elaine Anderson, N. Syracuse, N.Y. Ruth retired after 18 years at Central Cambria School District as board secretary and payroll manager. She was a champion golfer and bowler, and loved working on ceramics, stained glass, gardening, baking, sewing, quilting and cross stitch. As a member of the United Church of Christ (Congregational), she served as treasurer, deacon and founder of the acolyte program. Friends and family are invited to gather at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, service at 2:30 p.m. at Askew-Houser Funeral Home, Ebensburg. Internment at Lloyd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be sent to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, 412-586-6310.