Ruth M. Dextraze's Obituary
Ruth M. Dextraze, nee Cheleden, died peacefully on Mother’s Day, 10 May 2026 in Voorhees, New Jersey. Ruth was born 21 December 1935, the daughter of Charles and Anne Cheleden. She grew up in Philadelphia, and graduated from Rosemont College in 1957.
Ruth was married to Richard Dextraze (deceased), and formerly to Charles Kerber (deceased), and resided much of her life in Collingswood, New Jersey. Most recently she resided at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Voorhees.
She leaves behind her sister, Carol Alcorn, and her brother, Charles Cheleden (Noreen); five children including Mary (Stephen), Paul (Lisa), Valerie Giunta (Joseph), Jennifer and Christopher (Genvieve); 12 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Her daughter Andrea Kathleen preceded her in death.
Ruth was most recently a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Magnolia, New Jersey. Previously she belonged to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Moorestown, New Jersey, where she taught 7th/8th grade CCD classes. She was Office Manager at Temple University Dental School’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic.
Ruth will be remembered for her strong faith, devotion to our Blessed Mother, and her unflagging support and wise guidance to all those she loved. She will also be remembered for her artistic vision, which showed up in all that she touched like her sewing, painting, cooking, birdhouses, Christmas ornaments and her much loved gardens. And she will be remembered for her sense of humor which kept family and friends smiling and laughing until her very last day.
In Ruth’s honor, there will be a gathering and a celebration of life on Friday, 5 June 2026, at 10:30AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 413 Evesham Avenue W, Magnolia, NJ 08049.
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