Ruth H. Sherrard, 93

April 09, 2017

Ruth Hemperly Sherrard, 93, passed away on April 9, 2017, at Moravian Manor Retirement Community in Lititz, PA. She was born December 27, 1923, in Lancaster, eldest of six children of William Roosevelt Hemperly and Fanny Wiker Hemperly. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Robert Singleton Sherrard, on March 20, 2014, and is survived by her three children: Linda Reidenbaugh (Thomas) and Pamela Rosenberger, both of Lancaster, and Robert Sherrard, Jr. (Maria) of Charleston, WV; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers William, Mervin, and Jere Hemperly, and sisters Delorous Duke and Yvonne Tshudy, all of Lancaster.
Ruth graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1942, and during WWII worked as a secretary for the Eagle Parachute Company and later in the advertising department of Hagar Department Store, both in Lancaster. After the war she worked in the Foundation Office of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington while her husband completed his education, and later at Park Place Mercantile Company in Danville, VA, until starting her family. Returning to Lancaster, she faithfully supported her children’s activities and became a dedicated swim team parent of the Lancaster Aquatic Club.
Ruth enjoyed cooking gourmet meals, decorating her home and attending card club. When her family was grown she took up bowling and golf, showing some natural athletic ability. She cared for aging parents and for grandchildren, and always managed to retain the style and décor that reflected her life.
Private family services and burial will be at Boehm’s Chapel in Willow Street. Memorials in Ruth’s honor may be sent to the benevolent fund of Moravian Manor, 300 W. Lemon St., Lititz, PA 17543, or to Masonic Villages Hospice Program, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.