Kristophel

Ruth Ann Kristophel, 72, of Harmony, died at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot on Thursday following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Oct. 28, 1935, in Pittsburgh to the late John Dudek and Georgia (Kiessling) Wahl.

Mrs. Kristophel was a member of the Portersville Bible Church and until her sickness was very active in various ministries. She belonged to the Dorcas Circle at the church and was a former president. She was blessed by God with the gifts of mercy and giving.

She was also a former volunteer at Ellwood City Hospital. She had a heart to care for and encourage those who were not able to care for themselves and gave of her time and self when and where she was needed with a cheerful heart.

Surviving are two sons and their wives, Edward and Kathy Kristophel of Evans City and Thomas and Linda Kristophel of Fombell; two daughters and their husbands, Debra and Charles Scott of Harmony and Wendy and Michael Woodward of Chippewa; eight grandchildren, Tim Kristophel, Julie Weigle, Shannon Hartzell, Ben Kristophel, Bradley Kristophel, Nathan Brannon, Megan Scott and Jillian Woodward; and six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by two sisters, Hilda Falen of Evans City and Barbara Van Curen of Houston, Texas; one brother, David Wahl of Harmony and nieces, nephews, other relatives and a great host of friends.

Mrs. Kristophel was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, John E. Kristophel Jr., whom she married April 3, 1954, in Middle Lancaster Parish, Harmony, and who died Jan. 3, 1997.

She will be dearly missed by her family who knew her as a wonderful mother and Godly example of faith. To her friends she will always be remembered as "a dear sweet lady."

<B>KRISTOPHEL</B> — Friends of Ruth Ann Kristophel, who died Thursday, March 27, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at <B>Boylan Funeral Home</B>, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Portersville Bible Church, 111 E. Portersville Road, Portersville, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Michael Charles, her church pastor, officiating.Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Middle Lancaster Township.Online condolences and directions are available at www.boylanfuneralhome.com.