Merrill G. Ruth, 92, passed away Wednesday evening, January 12, 2022, at his home on Rib-L-Brook Farm in the Morwood section of Franconia Township, PA, where he was born. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (Koffel) Ruth, on March 6, 2010. They were married for almost 60 years at the time of her passing. He and his current wife, Beverly (Shelp) Fraser Ruth, observed their 6 ^th wedding anniversary on September 28 ^th of last year.

Born October 19, 1929, Merrill was the youngest and last surviving of eight children born to the late Norman and Alverda (Godshall) Ruth.

Born on the family farm where he lived his entire life, Merrill worked as a carpenter and milk truck driver in his early years before devoting himself full-time to farming.  He took great pride in knowing that his family farm will be recognized as a Century Farm this year.  Century Farm designation is awarded to those farms & farm families that have contributed to the agricultural heritage of Pennsylvania for 100 years.  His Holstein herd held a special place in his heart.  Many families in the community have fond memories of chocolate milk or egg nog purchased at Merrill & Gloria's jug milk store, Rib-L-Brook Farm.

Merrill was a long-time member of Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek of Telford, PA. He was also a member of the Franconia Lions Club and Grundsow Lodge #2. He volunteered many hours at the Montgomery County 4-H Center where he served on the Foundation board. He also served in various capacities as a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Merrill always looked forward to the annual fishing trip with family and friends to Lac du Fils, Canada. His lifetime total of 1123 walleye and 272 pike is a hard one to beat! He reveled in outfishing the young guys. His last, and greatest, fishing trip was at the age of 90, reeling in salmon and halibut in Alaska with his son and grandsons. Merrill enjoyed hunting trips throughout the USA and was always happy to trade a good hunting story with fellow outdoorsmen. His other hobbies included snowmobiling, traveling with friends and fellow farmers, and managing a purple martin colony.  He spent many summer evenings on his front porch watching the martins.

In addition to his wife, Bev, he is survived by two daughters, Patsy Pfaff of Arvada, CO, and Sharon Melanson and her husband, Scott, of Morwood, PA; and a son, Robert Ruth and his wife, Andria, of Santa Barbara, CA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Heather Kyle and her husband, Parrish, and their son CarMichael; Nathan Pfaff and his wife Kali; Courtney Reynolds and her husband, Andy, and their sons Jackson and Theodore; Greg Melanson, Jeff Melanson, Corinne Espinoza and her husband, Freddy; Miranda Cameron and her husband, Angus, and their son William; and Kendall Ruth.

Along with his first wife, Gloria, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Lillian Fretz, Hattie Nyce, Helen Landis and Ida Ruth; and three brothers, Roland, Willard and Leroy Ruth.

Graveside services and burial will be held privately for the most immediate family at Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek Cemetery. For those desiring, contributions may be made in his memory to the 4-H program of the Farm, Home & Youth Foundation of Montgomery County, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, www.montcopa4hcenter.org Arrangements are by Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home, Inc. of Franconia Twp., PA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www . WilliamsBergeyKoffel . com .

Merrill was a humble, kind, steady, helpful man who lived his entire life devoted to his family and the land in a world that changed so much….but never changed him.