Obituaries

Ruth E. Harnish, 76

Ruth E. Harnish, 76, of Lancaster, passed away on January 16th at Landis Homes following a lengthy illness. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth Englert.

She was married over 47 years to the late David J. Harnish, who died in May 1998.

Ruth worked at the RCA Corp. for 23 years, until her retirement in 1988.

She was a devoted wife and mother, and especially loved being a grandmother. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she served on the Legion of Mary and the Altar Rosary Society. She was a 1949 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School.

She is survived by her son, David E. husband of Susan Harnish of Landisville; her daughter, Judith wife of Patrick Kiely of Lancaster; and by 5 granddaughters: Alison wife of Keith Moody, Erin Harnish, Maureen wife of Kevin Nolt, Carolyn Zellem and Collen Harnish. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Lorraine “Sis” Nelson and Margaret “Peggy” Fulginiti.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Landis Homes and Hospice of Lancaster County for their years of caring for our mother.

Friends will be received on Sunday at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA from 6-8PM, with a time of sharing at 730PM. Friends may call again on Monday at St Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St Joseph St., Lancaster, PA 17603 from 10-11AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be sent in Ruth’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church Restoration Fund, or toe Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

I just want to express my sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother.  I worked with Ruth at RCA back in the 60’s and she more or less took me under her wing. I was just a young (19) girl at the time. She was such a compassionate person and I have never forgotten her. My deepest sympathy is extended to you at this sad time.  Sorrow fades, love never does…

Sincere sympathy,
Pat Buehler Roos
Lititz

Hi David and Judy,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing away of your Mother, but I am sure that her death is a blessing for not only Aunt Ruthie but your whole family as well. Aunt Ruth was always such a cheerful person and so much fun to be around. I remember the good old days when we were the kids and had the big family reunions with all the Aunts Uncles and cousins. What a great experience for all of us! That is my best memories of Aunt Ruth and exactly how I will remember your Mother.

Love and condolences from our whole family.

Herb, Patti, Jonathan, Alison

As a friend of Dave’s, I spent many happy times at the Harnish home and enjoyed many meals and visits with both Ruth and Moe. Ruth was cute, stylish, engaging and a very sweet and nice person. I know we all hold many fond memories of Ruth and are saddened both at her passing and that she had such a long illness.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Mary Simmons

David, Judy and Family:

My thoughts are with you at this time. I will be unable to make it up to Lancaster this weekend for your Mom’s funeral, but I just want you to know how special she was. Helen and I were just talking about her when I was up for Christmas, and we said how much fun your Mom always was. I remember her from all the Harnish reunion picnics, and she always held a special place in both our hearts. I know it’s been a tough road for both of you all these years, but she is now finally at peace, and will soon be catching up on everything with your "Aunt Joan."

I’ll never forget all your support at the time my Mom died and I wish I could be there to do the same.

My prayers are with you and your family.

All my love!

Kathi

Ruth was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I can remember so many examples of her kindness over the years. She always had a kind and encouraging word for you everytime you saw her. Heaven is a nicer place because she’s moved in.

Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info