Ruth Ann Kitzmiller Cruikshank Bedard, age 79, of Sugar Run, PA passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at her home.

Ruth was born on November 13, 1944 in Wilkes-Barre, PA the daughter of the late William R. (d. June 8, 1999) and Marion M. Werner Kitzmiller (d. November 8, 1975).  She was a graduate of Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre with the class of 1962.  After high school Ruth enrolled in Nursing School to earn her LPN certification.  Ruth was employed with the Sunnyside Nursing Home and later provided childcare.

Ruth married Pastor Archie E. Cruikshank.  Together they raised three daughters.  Pastor Cruikshank served at many parishes and Ruth took pride in helping with each church and especially had interest with the youth groups.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women and Methodist Quilter Group.  After Archie retired, they moved to Sugar Run, PA to be close to family.  Ruth and Archie were married for 39 years before he passed away on October 12, 2002.

Ruth remarried Richard H. Bedard and helped him with his duties at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.  She regularly attended St. Mary's Catholic Church with Richard until her health made it difficult to attend.

Music was a huge influence on her life.  She listened to music all day and played the keyboard.  Ruth loved rescue dogs and enjoyed many furry friends over the years.  She enjoyed watching birds, cooking, and watching the Hallmark channel.  She was a family centered person and was very proud of her children and grandchildren.  Ruth spent her entire life devoted to being there for her family, regardless of distance, or what was needed.  She always gave all she had to give and so much more than she will ever know.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Connie Knapp (Ric) of Foxpoint, WI, Gayle Huffman of Sugar Run, PA, and Alison Lang of Downingtown, PA; her step-daughter Bernadette Ross of Trenton, MI; her grandchildren, Robert Abrahamian (Brailey Kerber) of Madison, WI, Lexie Abrahamian (Jesse Khan) of Anaheim, CA; Kacey Bures (Bobby) of Painesville, OH, Erika Huffman (Ben Panella) of Wilmington, DE, Karlye Bennett (Eli) of LeRaysville, PA, Brady Lang (Chris Duke) of Philadelphia, PA, and Kevin Lang of Downingtown, PA; her step-grandchildren, Seth, Alyssa, and Autumn all of Trenton, MI; great-grandchildren on the way; her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Angelo Manganello, Sr. of Beaver, PA; her nephews, Anthony Manganello (Denise) and their children, AJ and Vinnie, and David Manganello (Jessica) and their child Lucca; a great-niece, Mia Manganello-Czapla; her dog, Murphy; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and first husband, Archie, she was preceded in death by her second husband Richard (d. April 3, 2023); son-in-law, James "Jim" Huffman (d. October 29, 2018); brother, Lee Kitzmiller; nephews, AC Manganello, Jr, Michael Manganello, and William Manganello; fathers/mothers-in-law, Jay and Katherine Cruikshank; and brothers/sisters-in-law, Herb and Mae Cruikshank, Jay and Lois Cruikshank, Phil and Gerry Cruikshank, and William and Carol Cruikshank.

A visitation for Ruth will be held Friday, February 9, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM from the Sheldon Funeral Home, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA.  A private service will be held later, followed by a private interment at the Wyalusing Borough Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Ruth's name to the Bradford County Humane Society, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.