Ruth Mercedes Gerhold of Holland, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at Twining Village Health Care, Holland. She was 93.

She was the beloved wife of the late Norman R. Gerhold.

Born in Garden Plain, KS, she was the daughter of the late James and Edith Threlfall Smithheisler.

Mrs. Gerhold was a resident of Holland for the past 5 years and formerly lived in Doylestown for over 30 years. She graduated from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas with her bachelor degree in education. For many years, Mrs. Gerhold taught business courses at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO and also at Bucks County Community College. Wherever she lived throughout her lifetime, Ruth was very active in her church. She was a former parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown. In her leisure time she was an avid reader, enjoyed needlepoint and ceramics, and was known for her excellent cooking. Her true passion throughout her lifetime was being a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Norman, who predeceased her in 1997.

She is survived by her two children, James F. Gerhold and his wife, Louise, of Oakdale, CA, and Sabra Ann Haas and her husband, Thomas, of Warrington. She is also survived by her sister, Rita Boyer, of Wichita, KS, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Monday, December 5, 2011, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, PA 18954 and to her Funeral Mass 10:00 AM at St. Bede the Venerable Church, Holland.

Interment will take place at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to American Heart Association, 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.