Ruth Elizabeth Byler Confer Grieder Connerly joined the heavenly choir of angels on December 24, 2011 at 6:30 a.m. Her abiding faith in the Lord Jesus gave her the strength to face all the challenges that crossed her path during her 89 years on earth and proudly raised her five children in these same Christian beliefs.Born May 31, 1922, she was a daughter of Harry and Nannie May Kaufman Byler. She is survived by one daughter, Barbara (George) Morton of Wilmington, NC; four sons, Richard E. (Elaine) Confer of New Castle, PA, Harry E. (Donna) Confer of Irvine, CA, Thomas A. (Theresa) Confer of Boca Raton, FL, and Robert C. (Laura) Grieder of Newbury Park, CA; one sister, Kathryn "Kate" Byler Williams of New Castle, PA; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence E. Confer, Charles W. Grieder, and Earl E. Connerly; and one brother, Arthur Byler. She was ever so grateful and appreciative of life's blessing, her family and friends, welcoming all to her cozy kitchen for a cup of coffee or homemade pie. Her appreciation of God's beauty was easily seen in her love of flowers, gardening and the outdoors. Many received a bouquet of flowers or home grown vegetables from her garden to brighten their day.She was a giver, not a taker, which was evident in her willingness to get involved, volunteer or help others. As a member of Second UP church for 60 years she served as an Elder, eacon, Sunday school superintendent, Fellowship Committee and member of the Triple M Sunday school class. Currently she is a member of Northminster Church. Also Ruth was active in the Eastern Star #105 for over 50 years as well as active with the Wimodausis, Rainbow Board, and Jameson Junior Guild.Employed by the Neshannock High School cafeteria for 18 years, she enjoyed cooking, baking and being with kids and teachers.Her final two years were spent at Shenango Home where she continued to make new friends and live life to the fullest that her body allowed. Recently she took up painting. Through the love and guidance of her art teacher, Don Gould, she attempted to paint a picture for all her family. Her newly found passion for art exemplified her continued youthful spirit to live each day to its fullest.The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Jameson Hospital for the kindness and medical care during these past two weeks of her life, the loving support of the Shenango Home caregivers and many special friends and family who gave their time and themselves to assist and comfort her.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p,m, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road and on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will take place Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Andrew Jillson and The Rev. Rex Wasser will officiate. Burial will be in Castle View Gardens.Memorial contributions may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105 or to Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare, 238 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142.