Obituary of Ruth Weber

Ruth Eaton Weber, age 54, formerly of State College, died in Pittsburgh, Pa., on December 12, 2013, of complications following a bone marrow transplant. During months in the hospital, Ruth gallantly fought setbacks, displaying her customary courage, strength of character, tenacity, and sense of humor. Ruth's spirit touched many lives. She was greatly loved by her family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. Ruth was born in Bellefonte, Pa., on December 2, 1959, the fourth and youngest child of Robert L. and Marion F. Weber. She graduated from the State College Area High School. She went on to earn her bachelor of arts from the Pennsylvania State University in 1981, graduating with highest distinction in sociology; she received a masters in public administration in 1986. As an undergraduate student, Ruth played for four years in the Blue Band. She was proud to be the first woman to play the sousaphone in the Band and to serve as rank leader. Ruth spent most of her career in public service. She served as manager of Penn*Link for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, policy director for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and special assistant to the administrator, Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation. She continued her career with Michael Baker, Jr., Inc., where she rose from communications and customer care director to assistant vice president. Ruth was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, the American Association of University Women, the Project Management Institute, and the Society for Marketing Professional Services. She received professional awards and honors from the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary's Office of Public Affairs, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal. Ruth had a wonderful quick wit. She cared deeply for people, and was a loyal and loving friend. Some of her treasured friendships reached back to childhood including her years as a camper and later a counselor at Camp Kehonka on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. Ruth enjoyed travel. She visited the United Kingdom and Europe as a member of the Ambassadors of Music. Later, she visited the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Italy on trips with friends or family. Ruth's many friends rallied to assist her as she faced the challenges of her long illness. Ruth also received professional care and many kindnesses from the nurses and doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Shadyside. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all these caring individuals. Ruth was preceded in death by her sister Karen Louise, parents Robert L. and Marion F. Weber, and aunt and uncle Constance and Norton Cashen. She is survived by her sister Meredith Anne Weber of State College, Pa., brother Robert F. and his wife Anne of Sun Prairie, Wis., nieces Alexandra and Katja, and nephew James. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., State College, with the Rev. Dean Lindsey officiating. A reception will be held immediately after the service (details to follow). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Assistance Fund, UPMC Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15232 (memo line: "Ruth E. Weber"). Those who wish to sign up to become a bone marrow donor or to contribute to the work of the bone marrow registry may do so online at www.bethematch.org. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home in State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.