M. Ruth Degler

M. Ruth Degler, 94, of Fleetwood, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while residing with her daughter Brenda.

She was the widow of Oliver Degler who passed away in 2006. 

Born July 23, 1931, in Laureldale, she was the daughter of the late Luther Sweitzer and Susan (Brown) Sweitzer. 

During Ruth’s working years she was employed as a machine operator at the David Crystal Plant in Reading, PA for a number of years. After retiring she liked to stay active and found a part time job at Tarsus packing in Fleetwood. Ruth was active in the community and was a member of Topton Senior Citizens Club and the Lyons Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. In her free time she loved going to casinos, crocheting, reading romance novels, playing bingo, and cheering on her beloved Phillies. Ruth also loved listening to western and country music. 

Surviving are six children: Dennis Degler, widower of Debra (Hoffa) Degler of Alsace Township; LouAnn (Degler) Snoke, wife of Dennis of Alsace Township; Jack Degler, husband of Dorothy of Strausstown; Brenda (Degler) Hess, wife of David of New Jerusalem; Lori Degler of Pine Grove; and Scott Degler, husband of Jean of Oley. 

Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Troy Snoke; Brian Degler; Matt Degler; Jason Hinnershitz; Jill Hinnershitz; Jessica DePietro; and Karly O’Reilly. 

Ruth also leaves behind eight great grandchildren and one brother, Jacob Sweitzer of Lower Alsace Township. 

She was predeceased by two grandchildren, Eric Snoke and Brandon Degler. 

Also predeceased were nine siblings: Laura Wanner; Marjorie Angstadt; John Sweitzer; Donald Sweitzer; Carolyn Pfleger; Janet Fick; Yvonne Kapelski; Barry Sweitzer; and Leon Sweitzer. 

A service will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Oley, 423 Main Street, Oley, PA 19547. A viewing will take place prior from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Tower Health at Home Hospice. 
For online condolences please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com

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