Ruth Harriet Bach Emberg –  formerly of Washington Township, Marienville, Allison Park and Mars,
Obituaries
May 7, 2021

Ruth Harriet Bach Emberg – formerly of Washington Township, Marienville, Allison Park and Mars,

By obits

 

Ruth Harriet Bach Emberg, 97, formerly of Washington Township, Marienville, Allison Park and Mars, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021, in Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford. Born, July 29, 1923, in Swissvale, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Emily Wilson Bach. Ruth attended Seton Hill College Ruth attended Seton Hill College (vocational education), Indiana University of Pennsylvania, (Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mathematics) and Pennsylvania State University where she was one of 100 Curtiss-Wright Cadettes trained in aeronautical engineering for the World War II effort. She worked for eight years as a draftsman/engineer before teaching mathematics and drafting at Washington Township School District, Kiski Area School District and Westmoreland County Community College. Ruth was the first director of WCCC’s Kiski Campus and assistant dean of Business and Technology at WCCC’s Youngwood Campus. She retired from the education system in 1981. After moving north, she worked as chief assessor for Forest County. Since 1985, she taught basket making for a number of art and education centers including Sawmill Center for the Arts, various historical societies, CCAC, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and Penn State New Kensington. Ruth also owned Bachemberg Baskets, since 1986 and authored the Bachemberg Kitchen Cookbook. Ruth served on the Forest/Warren Board for Higher Education, the Warren/Forest Social Services Advisory Board, the Pennsylvania State Board of Assessors and was a volunteer at Clarion/Forest hospice visitor. She sang in choirs at St. John Lutheran Church, East McKeesport; Grace Lutheran Church, Clarion and Faith Lutheran Church in Oklahoma, Pa., and was most recently a member of the Nativity Lutheran Church in Allison Park. Ruth was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Forest Chapter No.482, Vandergrift Woman’s Club, The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, North Carolina Basket Makers Association and the Association of Michigan Basket Makers. She received her ham radio license for her 88th birthday. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Emberg; her son Eric V. (Brenda) Emberg; and her brothers Henry Bach, Mark Bach, Phillip Bach and Kenneth Bach. She is survived by her son, D. James (Theodora “Teddy”) Emberg, Jr. of Washington Township; daughter, Lynn E. (William) Purse of Allison Park; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. At the request of the family there will be no viewing. The family will have gathering time from 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. on May 15 at CURRAN-SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., 100 Owens View Ave., Leechburg. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and the wearing of masks is required. Interment in Riverview Cemetery at the convenience of the family. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.

‘Eggstravaganza’ at PennWest
Latest News, Main
April 3, 2026
Saylor Batovsky, 3, of Brownsville picks up an egg as PennWest California’s Office of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning held its annual “Eggstravaganza” on campus Thursday evening. Jenn Codelupp...
Death penalty withdrawn in killing of police officer
Latest News, Main
April 3, 2026
The DA’s office made the decision after receiving Johnathan Morris’ psychiatric records. By PAULA REED WARD TribLive The man accused of killing McKeesport police Officer Sean Sluganski will not face t...
Owner of Castle Blood receives national award
Entertainment, Latest News, Main
April 3, 2026
Ricky Dick was recognized by the Haunted Attraction Association last weekend. By STACEY FEDEROFF For the MVI Ricky Dick, who started what became Castle Blood in 1993, was among 10 awardees at the 2026...
Probe into Donora man’s death could take 4-6 months
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
April 3, 2026
The Donora resident died after an encounter with police in March. More than two weeks after John “Koo Koo” Miller died following an encounter with Donora police, Pennsylvania State Police are waiting ...
No tax increase in McKeesport Area’s preliminary budget
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
April 3, 2026
Board President David Seropian is concerned about using more than $4M from an existing surplus to bring it into balance. At Thursday’s work session McKeesport Area school board members discussed the d...
Monongahela Historical Society to host free classes about U.S. founding documents
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
Celebrating America's semiquincentennial
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
April 3, 2026
The four-week session will offer insight into the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, the Monongah...