Rugaber

Mrs. Joan Carol Rugaber, 72, of Butler passed away Tuesday following surgery at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 14, 1935, Mrs. Rugaber was raised by her grandmother, Anna S. Hake of Atlantic City, N.J.

She graduated from Lycoming College with a degree in medical technology.

She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Butler, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She also helped organize the vacation Bible school at the church.

Mrs. Rugaber was active in the Butler Junior Women's Club, twice serving as vice president. She served as an adviser to the Butler Memorial Hospital Candy Stripers, founded the Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia support group at the hospital and volunteered at the Cherry Tree Shop.

She was a devoted wife and grandmother, who loved to cook and read.

Mrs. Rugaber was a patron of the Butler Public Library. She loved to travel and enjoyed touring Europe with her son, David, as well as extended trips to Thailand with her daughter-in-law Maria.

Mrs. Rugaber is survived by her beloved husband, Robert J. Rugaber, who she married June 18, 1955. Also surviving are two sons, David A. Rugaber and his wife, Shirley, of Prospect and Dr. Christopher R. Rugaber and his wife, Maria, of Butler; three grandchildren, Misha, Amy, and Michael Rugaber; one sister, Mrs. Paul C. (Sue) Truman of Atlantic City, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

<B>RUGABER </B>— Friends of Joan Carol Rugaber, who died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the <B>THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 124 E. North St. Funeral services will at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Bruce Geary, pastor of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, officiating. Interment will follow in the Champlin Cemetery in Westfield, Tioga County.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.