Frances R. “Ruth” Gearhart

Frances R. “Ruth” Gearhart, 95, of Philipsburg, died Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College.

Ruth was born on December 30, 1924, in Boggs Township, Clearfield County, a daughter of the late Frank B. and Elizabeth (Knepp) Conklin.

Ruth had been employed as a cells / bander operator for the General Cigar plant formerly located in (North) Philipsburg.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Philipsburg.

Ruth was married on October 25, 1941, in Wallaceton, to Merle J. Gearhart, who preceded her in death on December 1, 1990.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn May and Howard R. Reed, Jr.; one grandson, Terry W. Welsh; an infant sister, Viola; an infant brother, Harold; and five brothers: Clarence, Robert, Charles, Raymond and Howard Conklin.

She is survived by one grandson, Richard W. Reed, of Shippensburg; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Grace Ogden and her husband, Arthur, of Port Royal; one brother, Walter Conklin, of (South) Philipsburg; and numerous other extended family members.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 11 am at Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Rev. Michelle Bodle, officiating.

Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 am until the time of the service.

Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Grace United Methodist Church, 912 E. Pine Street, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.