Obituary

Ruth Alberta Voorhees, née Geisenhoner, passed peacefully surrounded by love on May 17, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on December 27, 1931, in Millville, New Jersey, "Ruthie", as she was lovingly known by family and friends, belonged to a generation built on grit, resilience, kindness, music, and quiet strength. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl Voorhees (1925–2001); her parents, Dr. Albert L. Geisenhoner (1894–1986) and Agnes M. Geisenhoner (1896–1982); her sisters, Alyce Spellman Stoeckel (1920–1995) and Naomi May Reed (1922–2005); her brother, Henry Geisenhoner (1927–2017); and Naomi Ruth Spellman Henninger (1944–2025).

She is survived by her daughters, Carla Gaugler, Diana Voorhees O’Neal, and Martha E. Voorhees; her grandchildren, Keith Bieber, Samantha O’Neal, and Tyler O’Neal; great grandchild Sloane Carrington O'Neal, nieces and nephews Roberta Salisbury, and Phil, Hank Geisenhoner and Rose Marie, Jim Geisenhoner, Carol Geisenhoner Stehr, Dawn Marie Calvino Antonio, Michele Alicia Henninger Edwards, Teddy Reed, along with many beloved extended family members and lifelong friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in music and education, Ruth developed a lifelong love for piano, literature, philosophy, and the arts. Encouraged by her accomplished pianist parents, she spent countless hours practicing piano as a young girl, developing the grace, discipline, and quiet determination that would follow her throughout life.

After marrying Carl, Ruth embraced Pennsylvania farm life with strength and devotion. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and perseverance while raising three daughters and managing the endless demands of poultry farming, crops, horses, tractors, hayfields, and business responsibilities. Whether working long days on the farm or caring for those she loved, Ruth carried herself with remarkable resilience and positivity.

Known for her kindness, warmth, wisdom, and unwavering optimism, Ruth had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Even through nearly two decades of surgeries and health struggles, she continued facing life with courage, grace, and determination. Her positive spirit drew people to her from all walks of life, and her gentle presence left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She especially loved Cape May, New Jersey, where generations of family memories were made beside the ocean she cherished so deeply. Her family will honor that love by laying part of her ashes there while also reuniting her with her beloved husband Carl at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, Pennsylvania.

Ruth leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, music, perseverance, and unconditional love that will continue to live on through all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Cape May, New Jersey, in Fall 2026, where family and friends will gather to share stories, memories, laughter, music, and gratitude for a woman whose life touched so many. The gathering may also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Additional details will be shared at a later time.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, hospice staff, friends, and loved ones who showed compassion throughout Ruth’s journey.

Forever loved.

Forever remembered.