Ruth Bachtell Clarke

Ruth Bachtell Clarke, 90, of Brookville, died at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Ruth was born March 4, 1935 in Lilly, Pennsylvania, to the late Marguerite Bender Bachtell and Alfonza Earl Bachtell. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Alfred “Fred” Clarke, sisters Mary Kay Rightnour and Dr. Janice Bachtell, brother Patrick Bachtell, and grandson Kristopher Clarke.

Ruth graduated from Lilly Washington High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock State College where she met Fred Clarke. 

Ruth was a physical education and English teacher and coach at Brookville Area School District and Jefferson County-Dubois Area Vocational-Technical School (Jeff Tech). She was an influential teacher and mentor, and she strongly believed in girls’ sports as a key part of their education and development. She notably coached one of the first girls basketball teams at Brookville Area High School. She was a proud member of the teacher’s sorority Alpha Delta Kappa.

She loved to golf and play bridge. She and Fred were active members of Pinecrest Country Club and spent their winters playing golf at Meadowood (Panther Woods) Country Club near Fort Pierce, Florida for more than two decades.

The family is grateful to the generous neighbors in the Walnut-Oak Street area.

Ruth is survived by her sister Rhoda Booterbaugh and her children: Elizabeth (Beth) C. Fishel (Terry) of Gettysburg, Frederick P. Clarke (Janet) of Mountville, Janice R. Fapore (Mike) of Somerset, Amanda Clarke (Ramón Arrowsmith) of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren: David Clarke (Kristen), Daniel Clarke (Katie), Kathleen Fishel Salmon (John), Ellen Fishel, Patrick Fapore (Yolen) and Michaela Fapore (Daniel Watt); and five great grandchildren.

The funeral mass will be 11 am Friday September 5, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Brookville officiated by Father William Laska. A celebration of life for both Ruth and Alfred B. Clarke will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the McKinney - d'Argy Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Brookville, PA 15825. Private committal at Prospect Cemetery will be in Portage, PA.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Brookville YMCA, 125 Main St. #1, Brookville, PA 15825; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 129 Graham Ave., Brookville PA 15825; or a charity of your choice. 

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