Hilcias “Ruth” Ferrizzi, 90, of Bally, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2017. She was the wife of the late Philip D. Ferrizzi who passed in 2015. Born on July 14, 1927, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, she was a daughter of the late Antonio and Carlotta (Beauchamp) Cabañas. She was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Bally and a devoted volunteer, as a greeter, hostess, and Prayer Leader at The National Center for Padre Pio in Barto.

Surviving are her sons: Ronald, married to wife Kathleen of Lenhartsville, Leonard, married to wife Cheryl of Bally, Philip married to wife Niki of Topton, and Eric married to wife Terri of Emmaus. Also survived by daughter Charlotte, wife of Daniel Barrow of Chino, CA. As well as, 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and sisters, Coracin Melnick, of FL, a cousin Victor Raúl, of New York, and Titi Marie, of Connecticut. She was predeceased by sisters, Betty, Dalila, a brother, Octavio, and two grandsons, Ronald and Anthony.
She graduated high school from Dobbins Vocational School, in Philadelphia and in the early 2000's received her Theology degree from Muhlenberg College to further enhance her knowledge and help to take part in the Legion of Mary.

She first joined the Legion of Mary while living in Philadelphia, at Saint Mary's of the Eternal School of Philadelphia, where she was also a Spanish educator. Ruth later moved to Bally, in 1971, where she joined The Legion of Mary at Most Blessed Sacrament Church. She was a long time legionary and her experience and genuine love and caring toward others was evident to all she came in contact with. When visiting and praying with people in their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, she always had a smile and warm greetings for all. She also made the gown for the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which traveled to parishioners’ homes, including her own. She truly was a faithful servant throughout her life and touched many with her faith and love.

In the late 1970s, Ruth was involved in helping to establish and build the Bally Senior Center into what it is today. For over 30 years, she headed many fundraisers such as hoagies sales and the Red Hill Band/Cake Walk Summer Concert Series. As well as handling the analytics, birthday celebrations, Santa Clause, newsletter, and prayers of the center.

In 1999, after the Beatification of Padre Pio in Rome, Ruth met Vera Calandra and this was when she became a beautiful part of the prayer life at the National Centre for Padre Pio. Each week you would see her there, where she welcomed all: young, old, the very sick, or despondent, everyone; with a warm smile, a gentle embrace, and a personal prayer which made each of them feel very special. She encouraged with her words of hope and an assurance of God's love. Ruth had an inseparable love for Padre Pio and also emulated him, especially, in his Franciscan spirit of charity of tirelessly giving of self. Everyone who visited the Centre sought out "Ruthie” for a special hug and a fervent prayer...she will be missed but never forgotten...

Friends may visit from 6-8 PM on Sunday August 27, at the National Centre for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Road, Barto and from 10-10:45 AM on Monday August 28, at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 610 Pine St, Bally. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM on Monday, August 28, at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Padre Pio Spirituality Centre, PO Box 206, Barto, PA 19504. To offer on-line condolences, please visit her Book of Memories at falkfuneralhomes.com.

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