Obituary of Ruth B. Melberger

Ruth Boorom Melberger passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on September 4, 2024.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Clifford (Mickey) Melberger, her daughter Erica Romanowski (Thomas), her son Clifford (Mickey) Melberger (Amy), and her grandchildren: Thomas Romanowski (Anntoinette), Ann Sullivan (Thomas), Katherine Romanowski, and Dylan, Kari, and Evan Melberger. Ruth also leaves behind her great-granddaughters, Blair Romanowski and Margaux Sullivan, her sister-in-law Lois Yeomans, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Bill Yeomans and her beloved aunt and uncle, Ruth and Bert Sherbine.

Ruth was born on November 19, 1940, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, to the late Glen Boorom and Ann Humphreys Boorom. She was raised in West Pittston before moving to Wilkes-Barre as a teenager. She graduated from Meyers High School and Wilkes College.

Known to many as Ruth Ann or Ruthie, she was a woman of style, grace, and wit, deeply devoted to her family and cherished friendships. As an only child, she made her friends into family, becoming an honorary McCormack sister to Priscilla, Erin, Molly, and Frank. Ruth’s warmth and hospitality were well-known, with her legendary annual Christmas Eve party a favorite among loved ones. She had a special place in her heart for animals—one friend fondly remarked, “Oh, to be the stray dog that lands on Ruthie’s doorstep!”

A master gardener and tree expert, Ruth served on West Pittston’s Shade Tree Commission for many years. She was passionate about travel, reading, art, and cooking, and could often be found cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. Her love for education endured throughout her life. After receiving a scholarship to Wilkes University, she and her husband established the Wilkes University Ruth Boorom Melberger Scholarship, helping countless students fulfill their dreams of attending college.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ruth’s doctors at Geisinger, her caregivers, and the hospice nurses at Erwine Hospice.

A Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 S. Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Everyone is asked to go directly to Church on Monday morning. 

A private interment will follow at a later date.

Friends may call at the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston, PA, on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wilkes University Ruth Boorom Melberger Scholarship, c/o Wilkes University, Office of Advancement, 84 W. South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766, or to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.