Edna Ruth (Bear) Best, age 101, of Luther Crest Retirement Community, Allentown PA, formerly of Orefield PA, died Monday, January 24, 2005 in the Luther Crest Health Center. She has resided at Luther Crest since 1987. She was the wife of the late Charles L. Best.

Born in Weisenberg Township PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Alice Amanda Bear. Mrs. Best was an Elementary School Teacher in the former South Whitehall Township School District, now known as the Parkland School District for 18 years, retiring in 1939. She graduated from the former Kutztown Normal School at the age of 17; She was the oldest member of Union United Church of Christ, Neffs PA, where she was a former Sunday School Teacher.

She is survived by her Son, Charles L. Best of Allentown PA; Daughters, Mary Alice Miller of Allentown PA and Nancy Lou McClain of Williamsburg VA; Nephew, Russell P. Bear of Orefield PA; 6 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. She is predeceased in death by her daughter, Frances C. Kern.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2005 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville PA. Family and Friends may Call 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday in the Funeral Home. The Reverend Thomas N. Thomas officiating. Entombment will take place following the Funeral Service in the Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum, Allentown PA.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Union U.C.C. Music & Education Fund c/o the Funeral Home, PO Box 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.