Ruth G. Fretz

Ruth G. Fretz, 92, formerly of Orwigsburg & New Philadelphia, passed away Wednesday, August 20th, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Ruth was born in Boyertown, PA on June 18, 1933, a daughter of the late Jonathan F. & Missouria M. (Gehris) Houck.

She was the widow of Richard S. Fretz who passed away in 2023. Ruth was also preceded in death by eight siblings: Lester, Leroy, Warren, Jonathan, Dorothy, Kathryn, Pearl, & Mary.

She was the former owner/operator of the Deutsch Haus, Orwigsburg from 1974-1989.

Ruth was a member of the Catholic faith.

She was a past Worthy Matron with the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #424 and was a dual member of the Cressona Chapter. Ruth was a volunteer with the Good News Club and the Chip Program. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Club at Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia. Ruth was the past President of Schuylkill Valley Restaurant Association and was Vice President of the State Board in Harrisburg.

Ruth is survived by two children: Theresa A. Haslam, widow of Robert, Port Carbon, & Paul J. Fretz, husband of Andrea, Birdsboro, grandchildren: Karin McCabe, wife of Jason, Kellie Garrett, wife of Geoff, Alex Fretz, & Sonia Rieger, great-grandchildren: Kayla Ege, Kevin Rhodes, & Emily McCabe, great-great-granddaughter, Kinsley Ege, and sister, Mae.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 27th at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. A viewing will be held in the church’s chapel from 9:15-10:15 AM on Wednesday.

Entombment will follow at St. Ambrose Mausoleum, Cressona.

The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to Make-A-Wish America, 1702 E. Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.