Roberta McCreary

Roberta Sarah (Ruch) McCreary, age 83, widow of Ralph Elmer McCreary, of Pottstown, PA, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Born on June 22, 1938, in Norristown, PA, she was the daughter and only child of the late Harmon Cathers Ruch and Sarah Elizabeth (Powell) Ruch, of Pottstown, PA, and beloved niece of the late Jessie (Powell) Clark, also of Pottstown, PA.   Roberta is survived by her three children, Heather, Ralph and Rebecca McCreary, and her cat Gizmo.

Roberta (“Bobby” to her friends and family) grew up in Port Kennedy and graduated valedictorian of her 1956 Upper Merion High School class. She attended Bucknell University and was a member of many school organizations, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science. After graduation, she worked at Burroughs Corporation (Unisys), in Paoli. Later she worked at the Philadelphia Dry Cleaners in Pottstown for a short time. She went on to work at PECO/Limerick Generating Station/Exelon Corporation for almost 25 years, retiring from the Security/Badging Division in 2006, at the age of 68.

Bobby's favorite past-times included her passion for gardening and her green thumb. She was a past member of the Elverson Garden Club, and she loved nature, animals, birds and even insects, who were always rescued. She enjoyed music, playing the piano and the glockenspiel in her school band, and she also enjoyed sewing, both machine and handiwork. Bobby was an avid reader who believed "the best part about Sundays are the Sunday papers," and from these papers she would clip interesting articles to share with her loved ones. She had a mastery of shorthand and would take notes that the rest of the family could not decipher.  For a time, she taught Sunday School at Coventryville United Methodist Church.

More than anything, Bobby loved her family. Her energy transformed holidays and birthdays, and there was no such thing as too many ornaments or too many presents when it came to celebrating her children and her grandchildren. Not only was Bobby generous—going so far as to share her birthday day with her eldest daughter, Heather—but she was also intentional about her involvement in her family’s life, by attending events or regularly calling to check in. Her wise advice was always treasured, as was her wicked sense of humor. Her love of fun aligned with her favorite travel destination, Walt Disney World, and being there with her family brought her great joy. Bobby was a great, kind woman, who will be missed by many.

In addition to her loving children, Heather A. McCreary of Pottstown, PA, Ralph V. McCreary II, of Solomons, MD, and Rebecca A. McCreary of Pottstown, PA; Bobby is survived by Warren A. Hampton, husband of Heather A. McCreary of Pottstown, PA; four grandchildren, Sarah C. Hampton, Claire A. Hampton, Victoria L. McCreary, and Nathan S. McCreary; Daughter-in-law Cindy C. McCreary, Sister-in-law Deborah Thompson, Brothers-in-law Kenneth McCreary, and Gerald McCreary, Bryan Grizzle, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service at the Coventryville United Methodist Church, 1521 Old Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA, on Saturday, September 25, 2021, Visitation from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., with her Memorial Service following at 1:30 p.m.  Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Coventryville United Methodist Church- Memorial Fund, at the church address above.