RUTH ANN MADL

Ruth Ann (Patterson) Madl, 87, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 9, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Frances (Maffett) Patterson.

Ruth Ann was a proud graduate of Nanticoke High School. Guided by a warm heart and a natural gift for nurturing, she went on to devote many years as a childcare provider at the former Children’s Ark Daycare in Mountain Top. Caring for children was not just her work—it was her calling. She cherished every child she encountered, especially her own children and grandchildren, whom she loved and cared for up until her passing.

Ruth Ann saw strangers simply as “friends she hadn’t met yet.” No matter where she went, she found joy in conversation, spreading warmth and kindness. She loved cooking and sharing her delicious shortbread cookies with family, neighbors and friends. Ruth loved coffee, going out to eat, trips to the store, and any opportunity to spend time with others.

Ruth Ann was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan, and her family fondly recalls her spirited enthusiasm during baseball season. She delighted in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and took special pleasure in lovingly teasing her devoted husband. Described by him as a “special woman,” Ruth Ann had the kindest heart, the most generous soul and was the most selfless human being. She brought light and laughter into every room she entered.

She cherished trips to Ocean City, Maryland with friends and was a member of the Birthday Club. In her younger years, she enjoyed square dancing and remained a true caretaker throughout her life—giving, compassionate, and always ready to help anyone who needed her. 

Ruth Ann is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, David Madl Sr.; her children Donna Kehl and her husband John, of Mountain Top; Dave Madl Jr. and his wife Diane, of Mountain Top; Dan Madl and his wife Mary Anne, of Mountain Top; and Diane Madl, of Providence, Rhode Island. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Derek, David, Johnny and Halle, along with numerous nieces and nephews who adored her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Phyllis Hazleton, Norman Patterson, and Gladys Raspen.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10:00 am from the Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, 436 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Jude’s Church in Mountain Top. Reverend Joe Evanko will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Hanover Township.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 5–7 PM, and again on Tuesday morning, from 9 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Ruth Ann’s memory.

Ruth Ann loved to collect angels as she saw the beauty in each one… now she is the most beautiful of them all. Her kindness, humor, and boundless love touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

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