Ruth E. (Rowley) Hale, 99, of Freeport passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday in Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Cabot.

Ruth lived most of her 99 years in Freeport. She was born at home in Freeport on Oct. 14, 1914. She was the daughter of Clyde and Bertha Rowley.

She graduated from Freeport High School, Class of 1932, and worked at the Aluminum Co. before her marriage to J.J. Hale of Freeport in 1939.

Ruth was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and joined the Freeport United Methodist Church Choir at age 15. She continued to sing the praises of her Lord until she was nearly 90 years of age. She sang for countless weddings, including her own grandson's wedding in 1990.

She was a loyal member of the Gleaner's Sunday School Class and the Methodist Women's organization, and she gave many hours of her time and efforts to the Freeport Meals on Wheels. Ruth was a past matron of the Freeport Chapter 179, Order of the Eastern Star.

She was a truly wonderful daughter, sister, wife and mother who loved her family, home, church and community.

Surviving are her daughter, Bonnie (Lee) Risch; her son, Jeffery (Joy) Hale; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Fleming Hale “Sherry;” her grandchildren, Randy (Lisa), Ronald (Kim) Risch, Ruth Risch Fuatagavi (Jr.) of American Samoa, Scott Hale and Douglas (Tara) Hale; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Myron Rowley; her husband, J.J. “Bud” Hale; one son, J.R. Hale; and three brothers.

HALE — Family and friends of Ruth E. (Rowley) Hale, who died Thursday, April 10, 2014, may call from 6 until 9 p.m. Monday and from 10 until time of funeral ceremonies at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport. Her pastor, the Rev. James Young, will officiate.Committal services and burial will follow in the Freeport Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Freeport United Methodist Church, Fourth Street, Freeport, PA 16229.