Obituaries
Teresa Spadea Ruhl, 79
October 09, 2021
Teresa Spadea Ruhl, affectionately known as “Momma Teresa and Aunt Teresa” passed away peacefully October 9, 2021 with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of the late John L. Spadea Sr. and the late Helen LaMonica Wynn. She married Richard K. Ruhl Sr, who preceded her in death on November 13, 2015 and whom she met at Rocky Springs Amusement Park’s roller-skating rink during her junior year at Lancaster Catholic High School.
Teresa was the family matriarch who held them all together. She loved people unconditionally and never judged anyone opening her heart and touching the lives of so many. She worked tirelessly and developed a passion for politics before she was old enough to vote. Until her many health conditions made it impossible, she was very active registering voters, working on campaigns whether local or national, and working the polls on election day.
At the age of 26, Teresa accepted a job as a seamstress to supplement the family’s income. Little did she know that that was the start of a very successful career journey that allowed her to stay committed to advocating and helping working people to establish a standard of living. Her career took her through the ranks of Organizer and Business Agent with the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) and as Regional COPE Director with the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. At the time of her retirement, she was honored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives during a House Session on June 28, 2002.
Teresa was a lifelong avid Elvis Presley fan. Her personal collection of Elvis memorabilia only exemplified her love for him and his music. She spent her 79 years of life investing in everything Elvis and she leaves behind a legacy in the collector’s world. From pool water to hair clippings to birthday cake and personal items, she had it all. The Elvis world will forever be changed from the dedication and love she gave as his most legendary collector.
Above all, Teresa was a loving Mother, Nanny, Sister, Aunt and Great-Aunt. She is survived by her children, Richard Jr, and Gina; and grandson Nathan Ruhl. She is also survived by her brothers, John, Vince, and Dominic Spadea as well as nieces and nephews Joseph Spadea (TX), Gail Kerner (CA), Kris Spadea-Askvig (CA), Vince Spadea Jr. (GA), Angela Spadea (CO), Nicole Vasquez (Lancaster, PA) and Dom Spadea (Lancaster, PA) as well as several great nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a niece Victoria Spadea-Ripley and great nephew Max Jackson. Prior to Teresa’s passing, she learned that the family is growing by another generation and that she would be a Great Grandmother to a little baby girl.
Friends may visit with Teresa’s family on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 7-9PM and on Saturday October 16, 2021 from 9-10AM funeral service will begin at 10am with the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Butler officiating at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike. Burial service will be at St Mary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her memory to Hospice Community Care, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552, Sweet Pea Project, PO Box 10351, Lancaster, PA 17605, Ryan’s Hope, PO Box 7452, York, PA. 17404, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, 2397 Quentin Road, Suite B, Lebanon, PA 17402. The family is requesting that face masks be worn when visiting casket side.
The family would like to thank the Hospice and Community Care, The Bob Fryer Inpatient Center staff who took wonderful care of her and her family during the last days of her life.
To send the family an online condolence please visit
SnyderFuneralHome.com
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 11, 2021
Gina and Rick, Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to you on the passing of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers Love Pat & Giles
October 16, 2021
Prayers to your family and to the friends she made over the years-she made a difference in the community and the union-her smile and passion in her beliefs would light up a room-I met her at a community service conference years ago
October 16, 2021
Deepest sympathy to your family. I have know Teresa since high school. We kept in touch thru the years. Lots of memories. Judy Groff
October 15, 2021
Teresa is smiling down on all of us from that great big Graceland Mansion in the sky! TCB
Stanley B.
October 15, 2021
Gina, Rick, Brothers, nieces and nephews, I’m so sorry that I cannot make it fri. evening. Can’t drive in the dark. I”m sending my thoughts and prayers for your great loss of a wonderful woman. Gina, it’s been a long time since the last time I saw you and your mother in Boscov’s, I missed those visits. Now she’ll be in the real Graceland with the Big Rick, and maybe she will see my Aunt Judy who were friends back on S. Broad St. God Bless, Bruce Emswiler
October 15, 2021
My condolences to the Spadea family for the loss of your loved one.
Tom Young
October 15, 2021
TERESA WAS A GREAT COMMUNITY WORKER. PRAYERS ARE WITH THE RUHL FAMILY
October 14, 2021
Recently met her a few years ago at her brother’s store. Hadn’t seen her in so long. I have been friends of her brothers, Vincent and Dominic, for a lifetime. We went to LCHS together. My condolences to all the family, and may her soul rest in peace with Elvis. She loved him tenderly.
Bruce Laudenberger
October 14, 2021
What a pleasure to have known such a dedicated trade unionist,political advocate & Elvis fan.
Her beaming smile & helping hands will be missed by so many.
I can remember her telling me 30+ years ago ‘ There’s a ‘U’ and ‘I’ in UNION.
My condolences to her family. She’s gone to her Graceland.
R I P great lady.
Pat B.
October 13, 2021
Gina and Richard,
My deepest condolences to you in the loss of your Mother. I have known Teresa since I was 15. We met at The Young Democrats Club. Over these many years, we would run into each other while shopping or our favorite pastime at the casino. To know her was to love her. I was lucky to call her “friend” even though we hardly saw each other over many years. She never forgot her friends. May you find comfort knowing she was loved and respected by so many people. Rest In Peace sweet lady.
Pat Styer Millhouse
October 13, 2021
Teresa was a great friend- I worked with her at the AFL-CIO-she was a dedicated Union sister with a charming way – she never tired out – never forgot her roots in the ILGWU – and forcefully worked to improve the lives of all workers.
Her embraced Elvis – visited his home every year should could
Strong woman – huge heart and never held back in her actions or voice!
we will all miss her deeply- she did so much for so many!
David Wilderman
October 13, 2021
Gina & family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful, caring & loving person. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Reilly
October 13, 2021
Prayers for the whole family.
Tom and Carol Mayer
October 13, 2021
Years ago, while politicking door to door and being so tired, I arrived at the Ruhl residence. Theresa invited me in gave me a bite to eat, chatted with me and sent me on my way with good wishes. A kind and thoughtful woman.
Molly Henderson
October 13, 2021
Vince, Mick and families-
Sincere condolences on the loss of your sister Teresa. The passing of a sibling leaves a void like no other. I hope your cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.
Susan Minnich
October 13, 2021
Gina and Family – Condolences on your loss.
Chuck Simmons
Former Sight & Sound
October 12, 2021
Gina, Rick and family I am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful that I got to spend some quality time with Teresa when I was home in June. She will be missed. I will miss calling her to keep in touch with the family news ! Sending my love to all of you ! Love, Marilyn
October 12, 2021
Dear Mick, Vince and family,
Our sympathies over the loss of your loving sister Teresa. She was a lovely lady and always made a point of saying hello and chatting at our Italian Club spaghetti dinners. May she rest in peace.
Valerie & Greg Faiola
