Ruth Henne Greenawalt, 96, of Mountville, passed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 25, 2018, at Country Meadows of Lancaster. She was born in Centerville, PA, daughter of the late Frank H. Henne (a descendant of Hans Herr,) and Ruth Stouffer Henne. She was the wife of the late Ralph Haertter Greenawalt, Jr. for 71 years before his passing in 2013.
Growing up on a farm, Ruth developed a love of the outdoors, gardening and animals. An avid Girl Scout, she belonged to Girl Scout Troop #1 in Mountville, one of the first in Lancaster County, and eventually received the rare Golden Eaglet Award. As a parent, she continued serving as Den Mother for Mountville’s Cub Pack, and as a Girl Scout Leader for both Mountville’s Brownie and Girl Scout troops.
Mrs. Greenawalt graduated from Hempfield High School in 1940, entered the Laboratory Technician program at the St. Joseph Hospital (old Gothic building) and worked as a laboratory technician, eventually becoming supervisor of the Blood Bank. While raising her family, she entered Millersville University, obtaining a B.A. in English. Since she always enjoyed working with children, Ruth became an English teacher at the Edward Hand Junior High School, in Lancaster.
Ruth was an Emeritus member of the Mountwaybia Club, a local ladies literary group, and enjoyed hosting them in her home as well as presenting book reviews periodically. She was a longtime volunteer for the Mountville Library from its beginning in the basement of the VFW building and through several other moves and locations, until it found its present home.
Ruth was a member of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church and served in a volunteer leadership capacity on the Church Council, and as their Christian Education Director. In her later years, she enjoyed teaching an Adult Sunday School Class of her friends. She sang alto in the Church Choir, supporting most church events.
Among her hobbies were reading, doing daily crossword puzzles, and helping her husband with their vegetable garden. She was also an accomplished seamstress and loved to make slip covers for anyone who needed them. She liked to spend her evenings knitting while watching TV with her husband. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family and friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the excellent care Ruth received from all of the staff at Country Meadows, Lancaster, Dr. Michael Leser, and Grane Hospice. Thanks also to Pastor Mary Anne Kingsborough and Pastor Tom Rundell and the whole Concordia family. We are indeed grateful for the kindnesses and the care from each and every one!
Surviving are three children: Bruce, Bradenton, FL; Fred (Jacalyn), Lancaster; Carole (Dr. Marvin Daley), Lancaster and Venice, FL; and Claire (widow of Ralph, III) Cottonwood, AZ. Four grandchildren: Tammi (Shawn) Miller, Millersville; Tina Greenawalt, Clarkdale, AZ; Keith (Kami) Greenawalt, Carlisle; and Fred (Ashley) Greenawalt, Jr., Columbia. Two great-grandchildren: Healy Miller, Millersville and Brayden Greenawalt, Columbia. Ruth was preceded in death by her oldest son, Ralph H. Greenawalt, III; Brothers: Lemuel and Frank Henne, Jr.; and her sisters: Esther Henne and Nancy Oberholtzer.
The Memorial Service will be held at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3825 Concordia Road, Columbia, PA 17512 on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Mary Anne Kingsborough and Pastor Thomas Rundell officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Ruth’s name to: Concordia Lutheran Church. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit condolence page.
