Ruth Van Kirk

Ruth Marie (Fleming) Van Kirk At age 96, Ruth left this world peacefully in her sleep to be with our Lord on April 15, 2020 from complications associated with kidney disease. A resident of the Lutheran Senior Life, Passavant Community in Zelienople, Pennsylvania for the past four years, she was born to the late John F. Fleming and Flora Belle Weddle on January 21, 1924 in their home on Center Street, West Newton, Pennsylvania. Ruth attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania majoring in music. She taught music for several years in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania prior to marrying the late Dr. John (Jack) Scott Van Kirk Jr. on June 9, 1950. For the first few years of married life they lived in Mt. Pleasant before moving to the North Hills of Pittsburgh where she raised her children and has lived ever since. She was a wonderful mother and adored all her grandchildren. Before her arthritis made it difficult, she enjoyed singing, playing the piano, knitting, needlepoint and refinishing antiques. She always enjoyed working on genealogy, and collaborated with other researchers on various publications. Ruth was a member of the Memorial Park Presbyterian church in Allison Park and considered life a precious gift from God which should be lived every day to its fullest. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, and three brothers. She leaves behind her loving sister Martha Jane Murray, four children and their spouses, Nancy A. and Jim Kneff of Wexford, John S. and Barbara of Murrysville, Stuart H. and Donna of Pittsburgh, and William R. and Jan of Allison Park. Also survived by nine grandchildren, Dr. James C. (Bethany) Kneff, Michael J. Kneff, Sarah M. Rosato, J. Scott (Laura) VanKirk IV, Bethany M. VanKirk, Megan L. (Blake) Baer, William R. Van Kirk Jr., Jonathan S. Van Kirk, Matthew T. Van Kirk, as well as four great grandchildren; Oliver, Isabella, Nicholas, and Jack. A private viewing for family members will be held Saturday at Simons Funeral Home www.simonsfuneralhome.com with a ceremony and interment to follow at West Newton Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to the Lutheran Senior Life Foundation Benevolent Care Fund, 105 Burgess Dr., Zelienople, PA 16046, or Memorial Park Presbyterian Church 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park, 15101.

Ruth Van Kirk

January 21, 1924 - April 15, 2020