RUTH ELIZABETH BUCK, MD
With broken hearts but confident hope in the resurrection, we announce that Ruth Elizabeth Buck, MD, 91, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on February 23, 2026.
She is survived by her beloved brothers Paul Buck (Marguerite) of Erdenheim, PA, and David Buck (Margaret) of Tampa, FL, and by her nieces (aka "Team Ruth") Debbie Deditz (Dan), Sharon Jordan (Greg), and Karen Buck (Anthony), nephews David Buck (Gwen), Steven Buck (Amee), and Gregory Buck (Jen) and many great-nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents Frank Herman Buck, Jr. and Laura Alice Donovan Buck, to whom she was devoted, and her loving sisters-in-law Margaret Buck and Marguerite Buck.
Born on June 14, 1935, at Germantown Hospital, Ruth was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Buck. She grew up as the cherished younger sister of her two brothers, David, who was five years old at the time of her birth, and Paul, who was two.
Ruth excelled at school and athletics, and at Springfield Township High School was Captain of the Girls’ Basketball Team and a member of the Varsity Hockey, Softball, and Tennis teams, Student Council, Chorus, Chronicle, and Honors Society. Ruth worked as a secretary for three wonderful doctors who recognized her great potential and encouraged her to pursue a medical career, which she did. She proudly attended Philadelphia College of the Bible and graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, where she was one of 11 women medical students in the class of 1965.
Ruth broke glass ceilings and paved the way for other women, doctors, and leaders. As a successful radiologist, she participated in medical missions across the globe, and was very active with the Christian Medical and Dental Society. She also traveled the world and the U.S. with family and friends, from Europe to Asia, Hawaii to Alaska (which she explored with her dear friend of decades, Joyce Keenan, in an infamous cross-country road trip in 1971).
Ruth was a passionate sports fan and adored her Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, and was a season ticket holder at Veterans Stadium, cheering on the Birds in sun, wind and snow. She loved playing and watching tennis, and was a fierce competitor, and would not miss the U.S. Open or Wimbledon each year.
Ruth was known for her generosity and philanthropy, supporting Christian and anti-poverty causes, and creating scholarships to support the physicians and pastors of tomorrow. Ruth believed in lifelong learning and returned to school to study spiritual counseling at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, graduating in 2006, joyfully living in the dorms with 20-something college kids when in her 70s!
Ruth was drawn to the ocean, just like her mother, Laura, and her nieces. From childhood trips to Cape May— where her father dragged a hand-built trailer onto the dunes—to later days in the Bahamas and her beloved Ocean City, she kept her toes in the sand and sea well into her late 80s.
Ruth lived the third chapter of her life at Spring House Estates, a Christian-based long-term care network she helped found and on whose Board of Directors she had served decades ago. The Buck family gives thanks to Ruth's devoted nurse Linda Bryant, the staff of Spring House Estates, and the Cherry Springs and hospice teams for their care of and affection for Ruth ("Bucky").
A true servant of the Lord, Ruth spent her life living out the teachings of the Bible and was known for her generous spirit and unwavering commitment to her faith. Now at rest, we know Ruth has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Services celebrating Ruth's life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Oreland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1119 Paper Mill Rd., Oreland, PA, with visitation at 12:30pm, services at 1pm. Internment is private. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ruth's name to one of her favorite charities is preferred: Wheaton College Ruth E. Buck, MD Pre-Med Scholarship Fund; Moody Bible Institute; SeniorLAW Center.
