A memorial service will be held Monday for Ruth Erma Black McKeel of Sharon, who formerly lived on Locust Street, Sharpsville. She passed away peacefully at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday (3-18-15) in Clepper Manor, Sharon. She was 94. Mrs. McKeel was born March 17, 1921, in Sharon, one of six children born to William J. and Zelda Viola Struble Black. A lifelong area resident, she graduated in 1939 from Sharon High School, where she was voted most popular senior in sports and lettering in both her junior and senior years. She worked as a nurse's aide for 10 years for what is now Sharon Regional Health System. Ruth also worked as a cook for several restaurants in the Wheatland and Sharpsville areas. In her early years, Ruth belonged to Mercer County Safety Council and worked as lifeguard at St. John's Episcopal Church swimming pool when it first opened. Civically, she was active for many years in local politics, serving on the Sharpsville Election Board, and was proud to have received a letter of recognition from the Mercer County Board of Elections. In 1976, she volunteered many hours toward our nation's bicentennial celebration and received a letter of appreciation from the president for her hard work. She also was a chairwoman of the Sharpsville Centennial Celebration and belonged to the Sharpsville Area Historical Society. She loved writing poetry, playing cards, bowling, sewing and all kinds of crafts. But most of all, she loved playing with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Robert McKeel and his wife April, Dallastown, Pa.; Peggy Grace, Sharon, and her partner, Rich Mussachio; Jeff McKeel and his wife Shirley, San Antonio; Charles McKeel and his wife Terri, Sharpsville; Martha "Marcy" McKeel, Austin, Texas; and Kelly Ward and her husband Curt, Hermitage; her grandchildren, Brian Harhager, Kevin Grace and his wife Lori, Kris Cilas and her husband Dave, Matthew McKeel and his wife Frances, Jay McKeel and his wife Stacey, Jenny Waldrop and her husband Jason, Michael McKeel, Melanie Province and her husband Nick, and Autumn Lindey and her husband Kyle; and 15 great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl L. McKeel; an infant daughter, Patricia McKeel; her sisters, Esther Shaffer and Mary Shaffer; and her brothers, Robert, Frank and James Black. Her family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name to please consider Sharpsville Historical Society or a charity of the donor's choice. Calling hours: In keeping with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday (3-23-15) in First United Methodist Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. Joseph J. Yurko Jr., pastor, officiating. Inurnment: At a later date in Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon.