Obituaries

Ruby Irene (Dewalt) Buckley passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Mount Holly, New Jersey on October 14, 2023. She was born on March 4th, 1933, in Pitman, Pennsylvania; daughter of the late Harry Dewalt and Jennie (Morgan) DeWalt.

Ruby graduated from Shamokin Area High School.

She was married to Donald G. Buckley, her loving husband of 60 years until his passing in 2014.

Ruby and Donald had a long history in Danville as joint owner-operators of Buckley's Restaurant in the 1950s and then Buckley's Carpet and Linoleum which started in 1962 and still operates today. Ruby handled the finances at Buckley’s Carpets into early 2020, finally retiring at the age of 87.

Ruby will be fondly remembered for her radiant spirit, playfulness, and the exceptional way she loved and took care of her family. She was a dedicated partner to her husband throughout every stage of life, and she was so involved in all her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, making every effort to hear about their activities. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Ruby especially touched the lives of her grandchildren - she shared her pride and joy for them every day, and she loved reading to them, baking with them, and including them in many parts of her life, from homemaking to business. Her deep caring extended to her carpet store family as well.

Ruby was deeply loved by her children and grandchildren who will always cherish her Pennsylvania Dutch cooking (chicken pot pie soup, scrapple, and potato sandwiches) and hand-churning her home-made ice cream. Her family loved her corn cut fresh off the cob then cooked with milk, real mashed potatoes, wonderful applesauce and pies, amazing birthday cakes and chocolate chip cookies. Ruby had a gift for making the holidays special with amazing decorations for Easter (real Easter egg tree), Halloween (real carved pumpkins and hand-sewn costumes), and Christmas (bubble lights on the tree, Santas galore, and outside lights giving the house a warm glow).

Anyone who knew Ruby knew of the special place in her heart for kids. She lit up when children were around, and kids loved coming to the carpet store because she always had toys and candy for them.

Ruby’s frequent phone calls and emails to her children and grandchildren showcased her dedication to fostering strong family bonds and creating cherished memories. A compassionate and caring soul, Ruby positively impacted the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was a member of Shiloh United Church of Christ in Danville. She had faith and hope in Christ, and prayed for God’s healing and blessings.

Ruby is survived by her three children: daughter Diane Buckley-Maidt and her husband David of Ellicott City, Maryland; daughter Kathleen Buckley of Seattle, Washington and son Randall Buckley and his wife Margaret of Hainesport, New Jersey. Ruby has two grandchildren: Megan Sawyer and her husband Will and Amy Pierce and her husband Dylan. Ruby has six great grandchildren: Lily and George Sawyer, Weston and May Ruby Pierce, and Thomas and Amelia Catalfamo. She is survived by two brothers; Alvin Dewalt of Bridgeport, CT, and Dr. Bill Dewalt of Pittsburgh, PA.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by one sister; Mae Milbrand and one brother; Reverend Marvin Dewalt.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Ruby’s Life to be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Shiloh United Church of Christ, 512 Bloom Road, Danville PA with the Reverend Mary Schmotzer officiating. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM -10:45AM. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Danville PA.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh United Church of Christ in Danville.