Ruth Marie (Brown) Slagle, 94, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday evening, January 1, 2021.

Mrs. Slagle was born Ruth Marie Brown on March 4, 1926, in Rocky Grove (Franklin, PA), a daughter of the late Ralland Nelson and Mary Ruth (White) Brown.

A 1943 graduate of Rocky Grove High School, she went on to further her education at Oil City Hospital, becoming a Registered Nurse and graduating at the top of her class. After working as a nurse for a year at Franklin Hospital, she developed an interest in anesthesia. Ruth then attended Mercy Hospital School of Anesthesiology, where she graduated in 1948 and acquired her title as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).

While attending Rocky Grove Church, in Franklin, PA, her father introduced her to James R. Slagle, who also worked at the Franklin Hospital. After dating for approximately a year, and a brief engagement, Ruth married the late James R. "Jim" Slagle on June 21, 1952.

Shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Kathryn, in July of 1953, they settled in New Castle, PA, where their second daughter, Cynthia was born in June of 1955. Ruth and Jim resided in New Castle for their remaining years.

Ruth and Jim worked at Jameson Memorial Hospital until 1988, both retiring at the age of 62 with 35 years of service. They both loved serving others.

Since 1953, Ruth has been an active member of the Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, New Castle, where she sang in the Chancel Choir for 35 years and was a member of the Tri-M Sunday School Class.

She was also active in the Prime-Timers, CRNA Association and Wymadasa Mason Auxiliary.

In addition to gardening, Ruth also loved flowers inside, outside and all around the home. She loved to read and travel around the world with her husband. Singing remained to be her passion ever since she was a small child.

Additionally, Ruth played the piano and enjoyed teaching her daughters and playing music with the family.

Above all else, she was truly devoted to loving the Lord, her late husband and two daughters, their husbands, and especially her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who adored her. Ruth was an 'excellent' wife, mother and grandmother.

She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Cynthia L. Melichar and her husband, Joseph, of Edinburg; and four grandchildren, Joseph (Megan) Melichar, Jr., Dr. Jennifer (David) Crosby, John Smith, James Radcliffe; four great-grandchildren, James Crosby, Margot Melichar, Corinne Crosby, and Merrick Melichar; a niece; and five nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Ann Radcliffe-(Merrill) Lang, on June 4, 2019; and a brother, Jack N. Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, 220 Clen-Moore Blvd., New Castle, PA 16105.

Due to concerns presented by the Covid-19 virus, a private funeral service will be held at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Aaron Christy, officiating.

Interment: Castle View Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.