Ruth Marie (Snook) Pioch

Ruth Marie (Snook) Pioch passed away on March 6, 2020 at the age of 96. Ruth was born in McClure, PA on November 10, 1923 and was the oldest of 10 children born to the late George A. and Kathryn (Baker) Snook. During the Great Depression the Snook Family moved almost yearly in pursuit of farming opportunities. They lived on seven different farms during her childhood. When she was sixteen her parents were finally able to purchase what became known as the Snook Farm in Laurelton, PA.

Upon graduation from Hartley Township High School, Ruth moved to State College, PA where she held various jobs in town and on the Penn State campus. While in State College she met Richard Pioch, her husband of 50 years, whom she married on August 18, 1951 in Laurelton, PA. A year later Richard’s career led them to Indianapolis where she lived the remainder of her life. Ruth worked in Indianapolis until she and Richard started their family. In 1958 they built a new home on the northeast side of Marion County in what was then farm country. They raised five children and lived there throughout their lives.

Ruth took great pride in supporting her five young children in all of their activities, including music and art lessons, sports and Scouts. She saw to it that her children and grandchildren traveled frequently to Central Pennsylvania and South Haven, MI (Richard’s homestead), ensuring that they knew their family history and were acquainted with their extended family. She wholeheartedly encouraged and supported her children and grandchildren, taking an active interest in their education, aspirations and careers until the very end of her life. Ruth was proud to have instilled strong values in each of her children and grandchildren, and she took great joy in sharing their accomplishments with everyone she knew. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren.

Ruth enjoyed cooking, sewing, playing bridge, playing her piano and knitting. As a young girl she knitted socks for her siblings. Later she began knitting afghans for each of her children and grandchildren, as well as many extended family members and friends. She knitted over 100 afghans. She was also an avid reader her entire life. In spite of declining vision which began in her 50’s, Ruth continued to read using The Library of Congress Talking Books program. Following Richard’s retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world making new friends on each trip.

Ruth was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for 60 years where she volunteered for a number of church-sponsored mission activities, including the Jump Start after-school program and the Son Seekers summer day camp. In April 2018 she became a member of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church where several of her children worship.

Together Ruth and Richard supported causes near to their hearts including the West End Library in Laurelton, PA, the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Neurology and various universities and churches.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Richard P. Pioch; son, Douglas K. Pioch; and brothers: George, Joseph, Harry (Mike), Kenneth and Wilbur Snook.

Memories of Ruth will endure through her children and their spouses: Gwendolyn Gibson (Buddy), Roberta Pioch, David Pioch (Jennifer), and Rebecca Wittmayer (Mark); daughter-in-law, Marie Pioch; grandchildren: Matthew Gibson; Katherine, Daniel and Erin Pioch; Erika and Eliza Pioch; Evan and Abigail Pioch; and Hannah Wittmayer. Also surviving are her siblings: Ted Snook (Elaine), Elizabeth Klose, Wilma Leitzel and Donald Snook (Barb); sisters-in-law: Linda Snook, Rose Snook and Ila Pioch as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4pm to 8pm, Friday, March 13, 2020 at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis and from 9am to 10am, Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th Street, Indianapolis. Burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Music Program at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or the West End Library, PO Box 111, Laurelton, PA 17835 (http://unioncountylibraries.org/).