Ruth M. Shelly, 91, of Emmaus, died peacefully May 16, 2024, at Phoebe, Allentown. She was the wife of the late Rev. Austin G. Shelly for 68 years. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Paul William Ramer and Ruth Elizabeth (Mosser) Ramer.

She was a member of New Life Bible Fellowship Church, Oley.

She grew up at Kenselbrook Farms in Emmaus, currently the site of Lehigh Valley Baptist Church.

She graduated from Emmaus High School in 1950, Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women (now part of Temple University) in 1952 and Berean Bible School in 1955.

She moved over 30 times during her lifetime, including to Costa Rica to learn Spanish and to Venezuela where she worked for 12 years with her husband at Las Delicias Bible Institute. There she taught English and managed the school library while raising three children.

She was a kind and gentle woman who loved Jesus. She was a great cook and baker and loved writing letters and cards to friends and family.

She is survived by children, Susanne R. Figard, of Emmaus, Joanne M. Englehart and her husband, Jason, of Kutztown; David P. and his wife, Sherry, of Fresno, Ohio; grandchildren, Andrew Figard, of Emmaus, Leah (Frank) Near, of Whitehall, Daniel (Mary) Montanye, of Bowers, Emily (Kyle) Peart, of Anchorage, Alaska, Jocelyn (Connor) Crawford, of Lewiston, Maine, Joy (Kris) Malysz, of Green Lane, Rachel, of Fresno, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Lance and Olivia Peart; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Robert Ramer, Charles Ramer; son-in-law, Keith Figard.

Contributions may be made to MMS Aviation, 24387 Airport Road, Coshocton, Ohio, 43812 or MMSaviation.org

A viewing will be held 9:30-10 a.m. June 1 in the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus with service 10 a.m. June 1 in the funeral home.