Ruth Foehl Etheridge

Ruth Foehl Etheridge, 89 LAKELAND - Ruth Ellen Foehl Etheridge of Lakeland, Florida passed away peacefully on September 23, 2014, from heart failure. She was 89. Born June 10, 1925, Ruth was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she graduated from Olney High School. In 1957 she settled in Lakeland with her husband, where she made many lifelong friends. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She looked forward to spending summers at the beach with her extended family and friends. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and traveling during her life. Ruth's travels with her husband took her to many wonderful places; Russia, Asia, China, Scandinavia, Canada, Europe, Bermuda, across the United States with numerous trips to Hawaii. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, president of her garden club, a member of Engineers Wives, and a lifetime member of Eastern Star. Ruth's family thanks the faithfulness and devotion given by her care givers from Comfort Keepers. Their special care and love made such a difference. Ruth is predeceased by her parents, Ethelyn May and Elmer Eugene Foehl and sister, Helen May Straussburg. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Girard G. 'Jerry' Etheridge, Jr., son, Girard G. Etheridge III, and daughter and son-in-law, Ruth E. and Brian D. Gardner. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30 in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland FL. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Lakeland, 5850 Brannen Rd. S., Lakeland, FL 33813, http://www.spcaflorida.org/memorialhonorarium/ or First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801. Service: 09/30/2014 First United Methodist Church 72 Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801