Ruthann W. Gotwols

Born in West Grove, PA on November 16, 1923, Ruthann was the wife and partner of Reverend G. Webster Gotwols. She was the youngest of eight children born to Andrew C. and Mary Ann Thomson Whitehead. She was a life-long Methodist. Ruthann graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls, studied at The Clarke Conservatory of Music and the Philadelphia Academy of Vocal Arts. She and "Web" performed in leading roles with the Gilbert and Sullivan Players and sang as soloists in choirs in the Philadelphia area and the Berks Grand Opera in Reading, PA. They entered into Christian ministry together in 1962 in the Methodist denomination, now the United Methodist Church, serving churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. After retirement in 1986 the Gotwols' continued to serve part-time in Reading and Lebanon, PA. They settled at the Mt. Lebanon Camp Meeting where they lived since and served the Lord, whom they loved. Family, music and serving the Lord were the common and most important emphases in their lives. Ruthann has been an active member of the Senior Singers in Lebanon since 1993 and a pianist/organist at several churches in the Lebanon area. She is survived by her children – Andrew W. (Mazie) of Columbia PA, Virginian Ruth Taylor of Wolfeboro, NH, G. Robert (Jackie) of Wrightsville PA, Timothy (Sandra L. Jones) of Holderness, NH. She has seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, siblings and a great grand daughter. Music and interest in humanities were much a part of the Gotwols' lives and they used their talents to serve others. Ruthann's final wish is that those who profess to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord would follow the teachings of the Bible to make this world a better place. A celebration of her life will be held at Ebenezer United Methodist Church on May 5, 2018 at 11 am with a reception to follow. If desired, donations may be made in Ruthann's memory to the "Harmonia Music Association Scholarship Fund" to fund scholarships for Lebanon County high school seniors wishing to further their education in music. Donations should be mailed to: Harmonia Music Association Scholarship Fund, Linda Rohland, Treasurer, 310 Knight St., Lebanon PA 17046.

Ruthann W. Gotwols

November 16, 1923 - March 14, 2018