Ruth Khaw

Ruth Khaw, a resident of Middletown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 21, 2023, after a brave battle with thymic cancer. She was 73 years old. Ruth was kind, selfless and generous-a ray of positive light to those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by family and friends across the globe.

Ruth was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar (then known as Rangoon, Burma). She was a graduate of Rangoon Arts and Science University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She was a lifelong learner and global citizen, as a young woman living in Taipei, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon, where she and her husband Bernie were married. She then obtained her bachelor's degree in biology from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and worked as a Medical Technologist at Mason General Hospital in Shelton, Washington. Ruth later moved to Jesup, Georgia, where she received an associate degree in information technology from Altamaha Technical College.

Ruth was actively involved in the United Methodist Church (UMC) throughout her life, culminating in 12 years as an indispensable partner to Bernie, who became a pastor after early retirement as a chemical engineer. Alongside Bernie, Ruth served at Zoar UMC and Melton's Chapel UMC, in Baxley, Georgia, Millen UMC, also in Georgia, and Thiells Garnerville UMC, in Rockland County, New York. She played the piano and organ and was always engaged in church activities and helping those in need.

After moving to Brooklyn, New York, to be closer to family, Ruth ended up settling in Media, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of First United Methodist Church, in Media. She was a member of P.E.O., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Ruth is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Bernie Khaw; her children Bliss Khaw (Dan Washburn) of Media, and A.J. Khaw (Christina Joy), of Philadelphia; and two granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: P.E.O. Foundation – contact Susan Barker at [email protected] Or Media Food Bank (www.firstchurchmedia.org/media-food-bank).