Ruth Harnish Hertzler

Ruth Hertzler, 83, of Seven Valleys, PA passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 13, at Pappus House Hospice Center in Thomasville, PA. Born in Manheim, PA she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Elta Harnish. Ruth was the beloved wife of Mervin Hertzler, with whom she was happily married for 61 years.

Ruth was a graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School. Ruth was a devoted wife and kind and loving mother who took good care of her family. Ruth was a hard working and supportive wife on the family farm and enjoyed doing the bookwork. Ruth enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, mowing grass, scrapbooking, waterfalls, lighthouses, and taking trips to 49 out of the 50 states. Many people commented about Ruth's constant smile. She will be remembered as a kind, gentle, compassionate and generous person who faithfully served her family, church, and Lord.

Ruth will be lovingly missed by her husband and daughters Karen Hershey, Cheryl Pardoe (Dave), and Cindy Hertzler, and grandchildren, Nathaniel and Joshua Pardoe. Ruth is also survived by her sister Jane Gerlach (John) and brothers Jacob Harnish (Sandy), Robert Harnish (Marti), and Dennis Harnish (Sharon) as well as many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her sister Joanne Forry (Paul). Ruth is also survived by Simon Pierre Ehabil-Elame and his wife Virginie and children Vicky, Hermine, Linda, Fabiola, Samuel and their families who became part of Mervin and Ruth's family when they moved here from Cameroon.

The family would like to thank the staff at Amedisys Hospice and Pappus House for the excellent and compassionate care they gave to Ruth.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at St. Peter's Church, 1708 Seitzville Rd., Seven Valleys, PA on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to World Vision, P.O Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063. Ruth enjoyed supporting those in need by purchasing gifts from the World Vision Gift Catalog.