1936-2026
Juanita Ruth Elkin, 90, of Punxsutawney passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 3, 1936, in Collinsdale, West Virginia, the daughter of Maggie (Stone) and Neeley Herbert Massey.
On August 9, 1957, she married Denver C. Kight who preceded her in death on September 24, 1973. She married Richard B. Elkin on December 8, 1979, who preceded her in death on January 20, 2012.
Ruth attended the Punxsutawney Wesleyan Methodist Church when her health allowed her to do so. She enjoyed making pies for church functions and babysitting her grandchildren Nick and Katie when they were younger. Ruth was very proud of her immaculately clean house and worked for several other families keeping their homes clean. For the last few years, Ruth’s daughter Kathy helped her immensely by taking her to appointments and weekly trips to the grocery store. One of the highlights of 2026 for Ruth was receiving the many birthday cards for her card shower that her daughters organized.
Ruth is survived by her three children Kathy (Steve) Trayer, Kim (Wayne) LaBelle, and Kevin Kight; three grandchildren Chris Trayer, Nick (Jess) LaBelle, and Katie LaBelle; two great grandchildren Devon (Madison) Trayer and Paiden Trayer; one great great grandchild Bennett Trayer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Ruth was preceded in death by her siblings Louise, Bruce, Jesse, Peggy, Maxie, Frank, Janet, Joyce, Becky, and Charles. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Ruth’s family would like to express their gratitude to 365 Hospice who provided the entire family with immense care and comfort. Her nurses Morgan and Megan were absolute angels. The family would also like to thank Rev. and Mrs. Houseworth for their weekly visits and delicious dinners they provided for Ruth along with her neighbor Donna Wolfe and the Grace Methodist Church soup ministry for the tasty treats that were delivered each month.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 27 from 1 to 5 p.m., with the service to follow at 5 p.m. with Reverend Paul Houseworth officiating at the Deeley Funeral Home in Punxsutawney.
Interment will follow at Langville Cemetery in North Freedom.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Grace Women and Mission (with soup ministry in the memo) at 61 Hillcrest Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
