Ruth Feldhaus Lehrter was a graduate of Mount Notre Dame Academy in 1946. For many years, my husband Ron and many of his siblings cared for their mom Ruth, who suffered with Alzheimer’s and their dad Jim who had Parkinson’s, at their family home here in Reading.  Ruth simply loved MND and her Catholic faith.

In her later years, one of her very favorite places was the grotto, honoring our Blessed Mother Mary, which is located across the lawn, on the campus of the Sisters of Notre Dame.  After 60 years of marriage, Jim sadly passed away in April 2010 and Ruth in November 2013, after having Alzheimer’s for 14 years.

Ruth was a lifetime resident of the City of Reading and a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (now called Our Lady of the Valley), having received all her sacraments at the Church. Jim and Ruth sent six of their seven sons to Moeller and their three daughters, Cathy ‘72, Terry ‘75 and Ann ‘81 to MND. Continuing their legacy are three of Jim and Ruth’s granddaughters, Molly ‘98, Jessica ’04 and Jayni ’07.  Adding to the family legacy are daughters-in-law Sheila ‘70 and Mary ’72.

Ron & I were discussing birthday gifts when he shared, he was going to fund a scholarship at MND to honor his mom and her love of MND and her Catholic faith. After conferring with his nine siblings, the documents were signed, and the journey began in 2013. Ruth’s father Pete taught her that a MND education is a gift – and truly it is. Jim and Ruth believed this as well, teaching their ten children this same valuable lesson.

We believe it is our calling to give back and to help those in need in our school, parish, and community. Each of us has been blessed with an abundance of God’s blessings. Ruth’s MND legacy is as much a gift to her as it is to us. Today, and each year, her legacy continues with a financial gift for tuition assistance.   – submitted by Cheri Lehrter