Ruth B. Yakamook

She was born on Oct. 25, 1935 in Hartsville to the late Joshua Sr. and Elizabeth (Fesmire) Beatty. On May 12, 1956 she married Paul Yakamook Sr. Paul preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 2014.

Ruth graduated from Upper South Hampton High School in Bucks County.

Ruth attended Bannerville Christian Missionary Alliance Church and also the Bunkertown Brethren Church.

Ruth is survived by nine children, Anna Opdyke (companion, Mike Shehan), Paul (Lisa) Yakamook Jr., Stephanie (Dean) Hollenbach, Steven (Susan) A. Yakamook, Ruth (Larry) Gearhart, Peter Yakamook (companion, Kate Reed), Julia Yakamook (companion, Scott Wentzel), Pauline (Jon) Hummel, and Michael (Colene) Yakamook; 22 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernest (Wilma) Beatty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one great-grand- son, Leeland James Aitkins; one brother, Joshua Beatty Jr.; and one sister-in-law, Joan Beatty.

Ruth grew up on the outskirts of Philly on her family farm. As a child, she worked the farm and took great pride in selling produce, specifically tomatoes, at a stand outside of her home in Bucks County. Farming was Ruth’s life and ultimately led her to Paul, whom she met at a neighboring farm. Shortly after marrying Paul, the two took on a farming life of their own, renting farmland, building a family, and producing a tomato crop that supplied Campbell’s Soup. In 1967 they moved to Lebanon County, where Ruth, alongside her children and husband, built a produce business from the ground up, by attending several large farmers markets, including, Green Dragon in Ephrata, Renninger’s Farmers Market in Schuylkill Haven, and Leesport Market.

In the early 1970s Ruth and her family placed their roots in the McClure area. Farming with close to 100 cows and nearly 80 acres of tomatoes, Ruth, proudly handpicked and selected tomatoes for Chef Boyaredee. Ruth came into McClure as an outsider but quickly became a part of the community where she lovingly and devotedly ran a produce stand that served her community for more than 30 years. The produce stand was a staple in the community where many locals went for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as specialty, handmade, handpicked, fruit baskets around the holidays. Ruth proudly displayed gingerbread houses that were crafted by her family at the stand, while making small talk with each person she encountered.

In addition, Ruth sold produce at the Belleville Market for nearly 40 years, starting in 1984 until her retirement in 2014. If you knew the Belleville Market, you knew Ruth Yakamook. A smile, a kind word, and the ability to know all of her customers on a first name basis left imprints in the hearts of all those Ruth encountered.

Over the years Ruth enjoyed many picnics with her growing family, including her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Her house was small, but the love, laughter, and memories made, were plenty. Later in life, Ruth enjoyed bird watching, needlepoint, and gardening. Most recently, you could hear her bellowing the tune “Free Jacques,” a French nursery rhyme that she sang her entire life through the halls of Oak Glen. Through life, Ruth endured many hardships and trials, but she remained humble and kind. Over the years, “mom,” “grandma,” and “gram mook” sacrificed many, many, times just so her children and family didn’t have to do without. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother who stood firm in her faith and dedication to her family, which was a direct reflection of her trust in her Lord and Savior. Psalm 23 led Ruth’s life for her beautiful 90 years on this earth as she knew in her heart that, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 10 to noon at Bannerville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 7436 Stage Road, McClure followed by the funeral service at noon with Pastors, Steven Osenga and Gyula Laudisz officiating.

Burial will follow in Black Oak Ridge Cemetery, McClure.

Arrangements are under the Kreamer Funeral Home, 130 S. Zechman St., Beavertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Black Oak Ridge Cemetery, J and C Lane, McClure PA 17841.