Edward Francis Ruther , age 93, formerly of Aberdeen Twp., NJ passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023. He was fondly known as "Sonny" to his family.

Ed was born in Jersey City, NJ to late Anthony Ruther and the late Mildred (Ernst) Ruther. He was a lifelong resident of New Jersey until his move to Pennsylvania in 2021 to be closer to family.

Ed attended Keyport High School in Keyport, NJ. He joined the United States Army as a young teenager and proudly served in Korea and Japan. He attained the rank of Sergeant. He was also stationed at Fort Myer, VA and Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

Ed formerly worked for Bethlehem Steel and the Ford Motor Company. He attended night school to become a licensed electrician and was employed as a lineman for Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) for 36 years. He enjoyed sharing his memories of JCP&L caravan trips to states experiencing storm-related power outages. During this time, he also worked as a self-employed electrical contractor in New Jersey.

As a child, Ed was intrigued by wildlife. It was not unusual for him to have a "pet" skunk or other animals. He also had homing pigeons and eagerly welcomed strays that returned with his flock each evening.

Having grown up during the Depression, when toys were scarce, Ed amused himself building things with sticks and wood scraps from his yard. During his youth, Ed and his father worked side-by-side for the W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration) pouring concrete for curbing and bundling tree limbs. These experiences led to a lifelong passion for working with his hands. Ed loved any fix-it or home renovation related projects.

Ed was a hardworking, soft spoken man who was always willing to help out others as a handyman.

In addition to his wife, Patricia Bayse Ruther, he is survived by his four children: Deborah Ruther of Long Branch, NJ, Donna Ruther of Telford, PA, Diane Mokrzycki & husband, Andrew of Telford, PA, Michael Edward Ruther & wife, Kathleen of Oxford, PA; his step-son, William Bayse & wife, Stephanie of Orlando, FL; his four grandchildren – Alex, Mariah, Julie and Alena; his sister, Helen Collins of Holmdel, NJ; his nephew, Joseph Collins of Los Angeles, CA; and his nieces, Dot Bove & husband, James of Port Monmouth, NJ and Sharon Letu of Westampton, NJ.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Ruther and his sister, Dorothy Keough.

A private inurnment and graveside service with military honors will be held at a VA National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Montgomery County SPCA, 1059 Sweisford Road, Perkiomenville, PA 18074 https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mcspca .

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com .