Ruth Catherine Kirkum

Ruth Catherine Kirkum, 85 of La Plata Maryland peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on January 1, 2025. Ruth was born on June 16, 1939 to the late Charles Richardson Frederick and Caroline (Carrie) Catherine Frederick in Sinking Valley (Altoona), Pennsylvania. Ruth graduated from Tyrone Area High School in 1958. She was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom who was also employed at various part time jobs, the Blair County Daycare Services as a cook being one of her favorites. Ruth was twice married and twice widowed, first to Ambrose Matthew Gurekovich and then to Byron A. “Barney Kirkum. Ruth was a beloved mother to William Gurekovich (Norma), New Britain, CT, Sally Pruitt (Jerry), La Plata, MD, Caroline Flegal (Ken), Altoona, PA, Barbara Kirkum, La Plata MD, and Nancy McNelis (Rick), Tyrone, PA. She is also survived by 5 step- children Maryann Hannah, Tyrone, PA, Lorrie Keesler (Norm), Deanna Cortright (Duane), Bentley Kirkum, Barry Kirkum, all from Michigan. Ruth is survived by 6 grandchildren whom she dearly loved and treasured; Elizabeth Gurekovich- Henderson (Scott), Berlin CT, Matthew Gurekovich (April) Gallitzin, PA, Erica Gurekovich, New Britain, CT, Andrew Gurekovich (Danielle), Vernon, CT, Alexander Flegal, Altoona, PA, Catherine Flegal, Altoona, PA. She also loved and held close to her heart her 7 great grandchildren; Justin Gurekovich, New Britain, CT, Ely Gurekovich, Anna Gurekovich, and Gwen Gurekovich, Gallitzin, PA, Charlotte Henderson, Shelby Henderson, Berlin CT, Berkley Gurekovich, Vernon CT. Ruth is survived by 2 sisters; Jane Hopkins (Bellefonte, PA) and Alice Sunseri (Ted) Altoona PA, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she held close to her heart. Also surviving is long time childhood friend Mary Stringer (Tyrone, PA) whose friendship she dearly valued. She was predeceased by a sister and 3 brothers; Mary Burke (Altoona, PA), Thomas Murren (Hanover PA) Richard Frederick (Altoona, PA), Edward Frederick (Port Deposit, MD) and numerous aunts, uncles, sister/ brother in laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she also treasured. She truly cherished, loved and enjoyed being with her family and friends creating lasting memories. Ruth enjoyed reading (especially her Bible, devotionals and biographies), coloring, gardening, cooking, and baking, bird watching, taking walks, attending family reunions, playing UNO, sunsets at the beach, animals (especially the company of her cats and dogs). Always greeting others with a radiant smile that lit up every room to which she entered, her sweetness was unmatchable. Ruth’s life as an active and dedicated Christian, serves as an example for others. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of La Plata, Maryland where she was very involved in the Ladies of The Light Bible Study, Women on Missions, and Merry Widows Group Ministries. She especially enjoyed volunteering as a helper with summer Vacation Bible School and the fall Trunk or Treat event. Ruth was a joyful, loving woman whose family and friends feel her profound loss, but will continue to honor her beautiful legacy of love and living life to its fullest. She is deeply loved and missed. Her children and their families give a heartfelt thanks to her daughter and son-in-law Sally and Jerry Pruitt for their unconditional love, care, and comfort provided to her during her declining health while she resided with them. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10 until time of service at 12 noon at First Baptist Church of La Plata, 9070 Hawthorne Rd, La Plata MD 20646. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/ or your local library.

Ruth Catherine Kirkum

June 16, 1939 - January 1, 2025