Ruth Rae Sweeney passed away in Bellefonte on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at the age of 94.
Born Dec. 28, 1914, Mrs. Sweeney was the youngest of five children in the family of Thomas Shearston and Florence Bickleman Shearston of Shenandoah, Pa. Growing up in Shenandoah, Mrs. Sweeney began a lifelong interest in books and learning. She graduated from high school age the age of 16 during the Depression and while living with relatives, found work at the Montgomery Ward company in New York City. Later returning to Shenandoah, she married Michael (Mel) Sweeney, with whom she had two sons, Mel and Robert. For several years, the Sweeneys owned and operated a hotel, the Lakeside Inn, at Harvey's Lake, Pa. They relocated to State College, where both worked at Penn State – Mrs. Sweeney at the reactor program – and then moved to Florida, where she was a clerical supervisor in the psychology department, including a stint as assistant to Robert Cade, one of the inventors of Gatorade. Mrs. Sweeney was a Methodist and loved to listen to hymns. She was an experienced traveler in Europe and in Canada. She was a wonderful hostess who enjoyed a house full of people. She was a sweet loving spirit. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Sweeney returned to Pennsylvania to be near her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Sweeney was preceded in death by both her sons. She is survived by four grandchildren, Robert Sweeney, Daniel Sweeney, Ted Sweeney and Chris Sweeney; three great-grandchildren, Sarah Hazel, Michael Sweeney and Erin Wells; and one great-great grandchild, John Hazel Jr.
There will be a private ceremony Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at Visneski Funeral Home Inc., Danville, and a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 216 McAllister St., Bellefonte. Anyone wishing to send flowers, please have them sent to the church for the memorial service. Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home Inc.