Ruth Apprich Jacob

Ruth Apprich Jacob, beloved matriarch and creative writer, passed away on March 10, 2012, at age 89.

Ruth H. Apprich was born on July 2, 1922, in West Reading, Pennsylvania. She was the oldest of four daughters of Nicholas and Ellen Beyer Apprich. She graduated with honors in 1940 from Wyomissing High School and went on to the University of Chicago to study drama.

In 1944, she married Charles Richard ("Dick") Jacob. The couple raised four children.

Mrs. Jacob wrote creatively her whole life. She penned lyrics for a sacred cantata, "Miracles of Christmas," the music for which was written by the renowned modern composer Ned Ro-rem (published 1971). In 1986, Mrs. Jacob was commissioned by the Philadelphia Inquirer to write "We the People, A Family Guide to Constitution City," in honor of the 1987 Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Her poetry was published in the anthology Birthday Candles Burning Bright (1960).

Her commitment to progressive Democratic Party ideals continued throughout her life.

At mid-life, Mrs. Jacob completed her B.A. degree and obtained an M.S.W. degree from Adelphi University. She then worked for five years as a social worker. Later in life she moved to Wyomissing and lived at The Highlands, where she passed away from natural causes.

Mrs. Jacob is survived by her four childre:, Ellen Mc-Daniel, Stacie Webb, Nora Jacob, and Charles R. "Chuck" Jacob III and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her one surviving sister, Ilse Apprich Hemmerich; and numerous nieces, nephews, and younger family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wyomissing Public Library, Doctors Without Borders, or the American Friends Service Committee.
Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.