Ruth C. Loder

Ruth Loder, of Carlisle, passed away Thursday, December 12 at the Church of God Home at the age of 90. Born in Harvey’s Lake, Luzerne County, she was the daughter of the late Lee E. and Gertrude (Sutton) Zimmerman. She was the former wife of the late James J. Loder. 

Ruth worked for the former Bell Telephone Company in various administrative roles and later worked for AT&T. She then worked for the PA State Parole Board for several years prior to retirement.

Ruth was a member of Union Fire Company No. 1, Carlisle and was well known by its membership for her wonderful homemade three-layer chocolate cakes. Ruth adored her rescued pets and was actively involved in the Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CART). She also enjoyed sewing and gardening, along with traveling, including to Europe.

Ruth is survived by a daughter, Laura Watts (husband Randy) of Boiling Springs and a son James D. Loder (wife Noel), of Sinking Spring. A sister, Barbara Fisk also survives her in Minnesota, along with three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Russell Zimmerman, and sisters Helen Zimmerman and Billie Willauer.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19 at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 with the Rev. Richard Reese officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation, Inc. (HOKAFI), P.O. Box 311, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.