Ruth Edna Troxell (Rapine)

On December 20, 2017, beloved wife, mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of one, passed peacefully in her sleep at home, next to her husband with whom she shared 65 blessed years of marriage. She was born on October 27, 1929, in Roxborough, Philadelphia, the youngest of ten surviving children, to Wilbur and Ruby Rapine. She graduated from Roxborough High School, and went on to work as an executive secretary in Philadelphia, where she met and then married William C. Troxell of Phoenixville. They lived in Phoenixville for many years, and moved to Harrisburg to be close to their son Edward C. Troxell, his wife Jennifer, and their four sons Benjamin, Jacob, Noah, and Oliver. In addition to her husband and son, Ruth is survived by daughters Deborah Focer, Kate Jackson, and Susan Troxell, grandchildren Victor Jackson Jr., Chloe Jackson, and Caroline Jackson, and a one-month old great-granddaughter Rue Adelade.

Ruth was a gentle soul, patient, kind, and friendly to all of those whom God put in her path. She enjoyed hosting Bible studies in her house, connecting with neighbors, and lovingly tending to the babies and toddlers in her church's nursery. It was not unusual for her to extend hospitality to anyone who came into her home, so much so that the piano tuner often remarked that he looked forward to seeing her more than any of his other customers, because she would always offer him lunch and coffee, and more importantly, good conversation. Ruth was an excellent cook and baker too, which made her home a haven of welcome. Although not a musician herself, she enjoyed classical and sacred music, but was also intrigued by the music brought back to her church by missionaries from around the globe. She loved the chorales of J.S. Bach, especially his Sheep May Safely Graze, which expressed the abiding comfort of knowing her Creator's love for his creation: Sheep may safely graze in pasture, whilst their Shepherd guards them well. Ruth now sleeps in the comfort, hospitality, and joy of her Shepherd's care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460 on Friday, December 22, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery, Phoenixville. Friends will be received on Friday at the funeral home from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Ruth's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C., 20090. Condolences may be offered online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.