Leona M. Ruter, 88, of Coudersport passed away at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo on Thursday, October 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Chester Ruter, who preceded her in death on February 15, 2003. They shared 50 wonderful years of marriage together. Leona was born November 12, 1928, in Independence, NY, the daughter of the late J. Bernard and Minerva (Smith) McGraw.

Leona was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport, and was very involved there, serving as Deacon and Elder for many years. She enjoyed volunteering her time for causes that she was passionate about including, participating in several mission trips, serving at the Christmas House, and helping with local elections. Leona was an integral part in running their family farm. She continued that hard work by helping her son, Ken, at Leona’s Greenhouse, appropriately named after Mrs. Ruter herself. She also enjoyed being a member of the Colesburg Community Club, Potter County Snowmobile Club, and was a long time 4-H leader. Most of all, Leona loved anything and everything that involved her family. She will be remembered for her warm and caring personality.

Left to cherish Leona’s memory are, her son, Ken Ruter of Coudersport, PA; daughters, Patricia Wingert (David) of North Carolina, Sharon Passavant (Glenn) of Michigan, Christine Kennedy (Rick) of Buffalo, NY, Diane Williams (Jeff) of North Carolina; grandchildren, Leanne, Amy, Nathan, Benjamin, Susan, Elyse, John, Mae, Jessica, Noah; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Moses, Aaron, Marlee, Caleb; sister, Doris Randall of Painted Post, NY; and several treasured nieces and nephews.

A receiving of family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., 210 North East Street, Coudersport. Leona’s funeral service will be on Monday, October 23, 2017, 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport with Pastor Lee Beckes officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service from 10-11 AM. Interment will take place in Sweden Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EduNations.org, P.O. Box 233, Ingomar, PA 15127, for building and operating free schools in Sierrra Leone, West Africa. This cause was especially close to Leona’s heart, as she has an adopted granddaughter and two great-grandsons from Sierra Leone.

To share your fondest memories of Leona and sign her guest book, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., 210 North East Street, Coudersport.

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