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