Ruth D. Zelt

Ruth D. Zelt, 91, of 724 Vine Road, St. Marys, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Elk Haven Nursing Home, after a brief illness.

She was born March 21, 1931, in St. Marys, daughter of the late John and Caroline Sarginger Drabant. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1949, graduating as Valedictorian. Before starting her family, Ruth was an employee of the Stackpole Carbon Company where she met her beloved, kind husband, Edward. To support her daughters’ educations, Ruth was the bookkeeper for the St. Marys Public Library for over 40 years.  In support of her community, she volunteered at the St. Marys Public Library and served on the board for over 30 years— 20 years as President.

On September 16, 1961, in the Sacred Heart Church, Ruth married Edward J. Zelt, who survives. They were close companions and blessed with over 60 years of marriage.

Ruth is also survived by three daughters: Mary (David) Sicheri of St. Marys; Ann Zelt of Glenshaw, PA, and Sue Zelt of Littleton, MA; four grandsons: Adam (Samantha) Sicheri, Eric (Courtney) Sicheri, Aidan Kelley and Liam Kelley; and by three great-granddaughters: Brooke, Jordan, and Parker Sicheri. Also, surviving is her sister, Norma (George) Mosier of Kersey; her brother, Thomas (Mary) Drabant of St. Marys; and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Drabant in infancy; and by three brothers: Robert and John Drabant and in infancy, Joseph Drabant.

Ruth was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. She was a former Leader and Neighborhood Chair for Girl Scouts. Ruth will be fondly remembered as a math wizard, an avid gardener, and a great conversationalist.

There will be no visitation.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Marys Public Library, 127 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.