Kenneth R. Ruth, 86, of Upper Macungie Township, died May 18, 2024, surrounded by his wife and family at his residence in Country Meadows.

He and his wife, Gail I. Ruth (née Wehr), were married 61 years.

Born Dec. 15, 1937, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Herbert Ruth and Anna Ruth (née Haines).

He first worked at his grandfather’s Haines Mill in Cetronia while concurrently working at his father’s corner store, Deiley’s Market, in West Allentown, and his uncle’s restaurant, The Village Inn, South Whitehall Township.

After transferring from Allentown High School, he graduated in the first class of Parkland High School, class of 1955, participating in basketball, track and football.

He served in the Air Force from 1956-60, first overseas in North Africa and Turkey and later in the reserves at Suffolk County Air Force Base, Riverhead, N.Y.

After his return from the Air Force, he resumed work at Deiley’s Market with his father until he became a butcher in his own right at Suburban Corner Store, 19th Street, Allentown.

He graduated from Carnegie Business School and worked in the supermarket, grocery business and eventually had a long-term career with Kimberly-Clark.

Even after retirement, he continued part-time employment as a payroll delivery driver because of his familiarity with the area’s roads and routes.

He was a lifelong member of Cedar Church, Cetronia, serving in the choir, and a longtime member of the Parkland Alumni Association.

He was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic sports fan of Parkland High School, all Philadelphia teams, golf and NASCAR.

On addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Michael Ruth and wife, Heather, of Rocklin, Calif.; son Scott Ruth and wife, Angela, of Hanover; daughter, Gina Gordon and husband, Perry, of Bath; five grandsons; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; and sister Jane Smith.

He was predeceased by brothers Thomas, Ronald, William and Frederick.

He is remembered fondly by his Dorneyville Dunkin’ Donuts friends and his golfing buddies.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made by Stephens Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.