Ruby H. Kistler, 101, a lifelong resident of Heidelberg Township, died Feb. 21, 2025, in Phoebe Home, Allentown.

The wife of the late Willard A. Kistler, the couple was married 65 years before his death in 2010.

The daughter of the late Wilmer and Lillian (Handwerk) Hill of Newside, she graduated from Slatington High School in 1940.

Because of her age, she had to wait a year to enter Allentown Hospital School of Nursing from which she graduated in 1944.

The daughter of a dairy farmer, she married her husband, a potato farmer, in 1944.

Together, they operated Kistler Farms, which included an apple orchard, near Pleasant Corner for 60 years.

She tended the farm store, selling apples, cider and produce for which she became known as “The Apple Lady.”

She was a longterm member of Central Grange, Germansville.

With her husband, she participated in the Pennsylvania Farmers’ Association Advisory Council.

She was always a faithful Christian and church member.

She was baptized and confirmed at Heidelberg Lutheran Church.

Along with her husband, she became a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, New Tripoli, where she sang with the choir, taught Sunday School and was an active member of the Women’s Guild.

She was later a member of Living Stone Fellowship Church, New Tripoli, and most recently, Heidelberg Union Church, Slatington.

Her survivors include children, the Rev. Jeffrey P. Kistler (Dr. Barbara) of New Tripoli, Brian W. Kistler of New Tripoli, who served as her caregiver, Marcia F. (the Rev. Dr. Joshua) Christiansen of New Ipswich, N.H.; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by siblings Fern McLean, Elaine Hausman and Bruce Hill.

Her funeral service will be 11 a.m. March 1 at Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, with the Rev. Michelle G. Funk officiating.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9-11 a.m. in the church, before the service.

Interment will follow the service at Ebenezer Church Cemetery, New Tripoli.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Phoebe Home and/or to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.