Ruth Coombs Post

Ruth Post (nee Coombs), of Wernersville, PA, formerly of Montvale, NJ and Ocean Pines, MD, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025 with her daughters at her side. She was born on July 12, 1933 in Hackensack, NJ to Alton and Maude Coombs. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Robert H. Post, loving sister of the late Lois Robinson (nee Coombs), and a devoted mother to Janet Post-Rich (Kenneth Rich), Nancy Post, and Susan Post. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Zachary Rich, Brett and Pierce Munafo, and her nieces, nephews and their families.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Ruth, a beloved wife, mother, nurse, and friend, who together with her husband Bob, lovingly raised their daughters in Montvale, NJ. Their home was a place of warmth and welcome, deeply rooted in faith and family

Ruth and Bob were active and cherished members of Pascack Reformed Church in Park Ridge, NJ, where their contributions enriched the community immeasurably. Bob served as a dedicated volunteer and usher. Ruth’s beautiful soprano voice graced the choir, and her musical talents often filled the sanctuary as a substitute organist. Their shared passions for family, faith, and the wonders of nature led them on countless travel adventures. Together, Ruth and Bob created cherished memories as they explored the beauty of the United States on camping trips as well as traveling to Europe and Alaska.

Beyond her devotion to her family, friends and church, Ruth possessed other enduring passions that defined her life: her compassionate nursing career, her lifelong love of religious music, and helping people and animals in need. After graduating from Hackensack Hospital School of Nursing (NJ) in 1954, she dedicated herself to caring for others. As a supervisor for psychiatric nursing services at Bergen Pines Hospital (NJ), she provided comfort and support to those in need. For the last twenty-five years of her career, she found great joy as a school nurse at Pascack Hills High School (Montvale, NJ), where she not only provided nursing care but also served as a mentor and trusted confidant to countless students and staff. Her nurturing spirit and genuine concern for others left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Ruth was a gifted musician and singer; her talent was a true blessing to those who heard her. From her childhood studies of piano and voice to playing the kettle drum in the Hackensack High School marching band, music was always a central part of her life. Christmas music could always be heard in her home around the holidays. Ruth joyously hit the high soprano notes in one of her favorite musical pieces, Handel’s Messiah. A self-taught musician, she mastered the organ, guitar, accordion, and handbells, sharing her gifts generously. Her greatest joy came from sharing her musical talents within the church which uplifted hearts and brought joy to many. In her waning years, the staff and residents in her nursing home cherished hearing her beautiful singing.

Ruth and Bob’s home was often affectionately referred to as the “Post Family Zoo.” The family shared life with a variety of beloved pets including cats, dogs, parakeets, fish, mice, gerbils, chickens, and rabbits. Neighbors would bring injured animals to the Post family to nurture and care for. Ruth and Bob’s deep love and compassion for animals were not only evident in their own home. They passed this love on to their daughters and grandsons, who continue to carry on their legacy of kindness and care. Ruth will be remembered for the joy and warmth she brought to everyone around her.

A celebration of life service for both Ruth and Robert Post will be held at Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 on May 31, 2025 from 1 to 2 pm. Burial service will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fischer Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (www.alzinfo.org), Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org), or Pascack Reformed Church (www.pascackreformedchurch.org).