Ruth B. Houston, Upper Dublin Physical Education Teacher

Ruth B. Houston of Ambler, Pa., died peacefully Sunday June 10, 2012 at the age of 91.

She was a graduate of Cheltenham High School and Temple University. During President Kennedy’s physical fitness initiative, she was hired by Upper Dublin School District as the sole elementary fitness teacher; responsible for six schools. She was best known for playing Meredith Wilson’s “Chicken Fat” workout song popular in the early 60’s. As the school district grew, she became Jarrettown’s physical education teacher where she remained until retirement. Ruth loved nature and the outdoors. She sailed with her husband, Charles, on the Chesapeake, and longer trips ranging from Maine to the Bahamas. Her winters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., were spent enjoying golf, swimming, and sailing. When Robbins Park was founded in 1975 Ruth was an active supporter of the environmental education programs.

She loved and was beloved by her family, and is survived by her husband of 70 years; two sisters, Elizabeth Jones of Erie, PA, Edwina Hoover, of Glenside; her children Patti Keyser (Bruce), Donna Adams (Bill), Charles (Chip) Houston (Marian), Chris Houston (Leslie); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Virginia, of NY and her parents Arthur and Edwina Bagans of Glenside.

A Memorial Mass was held Wednesday June 12, 2012 at 11am. Friends and family may call from 10am to 11am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Friends of Robbins Park, 1419 E. Butler Pk., Ambler Pa. 19002.

Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home