Ruth Jean Hershberger

HERSHBERGER—Ruth Jean, 87, formerly of Richland Township, died September 13, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lived for the past three years to be close to immediate family. Ruth Jean was born October 11, 1930, to Carl C. Roberts and Evalyn J. (Willard) Roberts.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her high school sweetheart and husband of 66 years, Nyle M. Hershberger.  She is survived by her children, Michael (Debbie Layton) of Cincinnati, OH and Diane (Rodger Kube) of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Nichole Fisher (Columbus, OH), Michelle Lipps (Cincinnati, OH) and Mikka Kube (Manama, Bahrain), and 7 great-grandchildren. Ruth Jean graduated from Richland High School in 1948. Immediately following graduation, she worked in the office at the high school. She then worked as a secretary in the School of Agriculture at Penn State for two years. In 1963, Ruth Jean returned to Richland High School and served as a secretary until her retirement in 1985. She spent the next 25 years making hundreds of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, over 600 artisan teddy bears and many other fabric crafts which brought as much joy to her to make as they did to the persons receiving them.  Ruth Jean was a woman of deep faith which she expressed in both words and deeds. She was a member of the Belmont United Methodist Church since 1953.  Together with Nyle, Ruth Jean made significant commitments in support of Shoes for Orphaned Souls, Angels of East Africa Children’s Orphanage, Operation Christmas Child, along with many other mission-focused causes. Friends received from 5-8 pm, Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, and Friday, September 21, 2018, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Belmont United Methodist Church, Pastor Jean Smith, officiating. Interment, Richland Cemetery. The family suggests donations to Belmont United Methodist Church, 107 Coldren St., Johnstown, Pa. 15904. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.