Obituaries

Ruth-Lee Sandel, 63, of Danville, PA, formerly of Montandon, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at her residence. She was born May 25, 1959 in Killeen, Texas, the daughter of the late John Ricker and Jane Ricker.

Ruth-Lee graduated from Lewisburg Area Senior High School in 1977. She attended Anderson College in Indiana, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Bloomsburg University.

She was blessed to work as a caregiver in several group homes for many years. Ruth-Lee was a personal caregiver for individuals in their own homes as well. For a season, she enjoyed entertaining others at Knoebel’s Grove. She was the craft director at a local campground for several years. She also selflessly cared for her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl Sandel and Lorraine Sandel, until Carl and Lorraine went to be with the Lord.

Ruth-Lee attended Danville First Baptist Church and listened to services faithfully on the radio. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She enthusiastically supported all of her children’s endeavors, particularly the Milton Area School District wrestling program, where she coached the elementary wrestling cheerleading squad for many years. In 2003, Ruth-Lee started the Susquehanna Valley River Boys wrestling program. The team attended the NHSCA national duals on a yearly basis for ten years, among other tournaments. At its peak, the team sent more than seventy-five young wrestlers between grades three and twelve to tournaments. Most of the wrestlers knew Ruth-Lee as "Momma Sandel." She also supported her children in the AYSO soccer program.

Ruth-Lee will be remembered for her vibrant laugh, positive spirit, and compassionate care for others. She had a listening ear for every stranger she met, usually learning his or her life story within a few minutes. She genuinely loved so many people, and they loved her in return.

Ruth-Lee loved the ocean and especially enjoyed vacationing in Ocean City, NJ. She loved traveling to new places and experiencing new adventures with her family and close friends.

She is survived by her beloved husband of forty years, Keith Sandel, her children Jana Hollenbach of Dornsife, PA, Eric Sandel of Winfield, PA, Sarabeth Borowiec (Jonathan) of West Henrietta, NY, Aaron Sandel (Lina) of Millersville, PA, and her seven grandchildren Timothy, Leo, Zoey, Kinzley, Allison, Caitlin, and Mateo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother John Ricker.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a hymn sing on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 12 Brookside Drive, Danville, PA 17821 with Pastor Dawes J. Dunham officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Danville First Baptist Church, 12 Brookside Drive, Danville, PA 17821 or to Milton Elementary Wrestling, 326 North Duke Street, Millersville, PA 17551.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville, PA 17821. www.visneski.com.