Ruth, Sarah Shank (1906-1973)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1973 Feb 8 p. 7

Birth date:

Text of obituary:

Arizona Minister And Wife Die Only 12 Days Apart

Harrisonburg, Va. — Word was received here that Rev. Melvin L. Ruth, 66, of Phoenix, Ariz. died on Jan. 30 only 12 days after the passing of his wife, Mrs. Sarah Shank Ruth, 67.

Mrs. Ruth, formerly of this area, died Jan. 18 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, having been ill since October 1971. Rev. Ruth, who was dean of men at Eastern Mennonite College from 1935 to 1946, died of an apparent heart attack. Funeral services for both were held at the Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, where he served as pastor from 1948 to 1965.

The Ruths moved from Harrisonburg to Phoenix in 1946 because of his health. In addition to pastoring the Sunnyslope Church he taught school until his retirement last year. The couple leave one son, Tom, of Phoenix.