Ruth A. Shepler, 79, of Myerstown, died Friday, January 27, 2012 at ManorCare Health Services, Lebanon.

She was the wife of Victor W. Shepler to whom she would have been married 59 years on July 25.

Born in Robesonia, PA on October 1, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Catherine (Long) Helm.

A 1950 graduate of Robesonia High School, she was employed by the Gloray Knitting Mills, Robesonia, and Malina Yarn Manufacturing, Womelsdorf.

A former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia, she enjoyed raising children as a foster parent, and also enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, crocheting, and knitting.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters Melissa wife of Forrest O'Kelly of Myerstown, Stacey wife of John Klahr of Myerstown; sons Terry Shepler of Myerstown, Steven husband of Ann Shepler of Myerstown, Kevin husband of Renee Shepler of Myerstown; grandchildren Jessie, Shane and Brandon Gettle, and Tara O'Kelly; step-grandchildren Eric Patterson and Kevin Piersol; great-grandchildren Cameron and Dylan Harbaugh; sisters Shirley wife of Warren Wartzenluft of Robesonia, Peggy wife of Luke Showalter of Reinholds, Dolly wife of Harold Steiff of Robesonia; brother Gerald husband of Sue Helm of Stouchsburg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Wendy Gettle.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 6 p.m. from Friedens Lutheran Church, 301 W. Washington Ave., Myerstown. There will be no viewing or visitation. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067. Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, is entrusted with the arrangements.