Ruth Mae Empie Harshbarger of Mt. Joy

1930-2015

Ruth Mae Empie Harshbarger, 84, of Mt. Joy, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was the eldest of six children born to the late J. Carl and Kathleen T. Empie, May 22, 1930 in Carney’s Point, N.J.

She graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1952, focusing on music education. She has spent most of her life in the area of southeast and southcentral Pa., focusing on her joy for music in schools and church activities, including directing children’s choirs. In later years she worked as a home health aide for the elderly, reflecting a passion for all her patients.

In recent years she was an active member of Wayside Presbyterian (Mt. Joy), Christ Evangelical Free Church (Strausstown), and Faggs Manor Presbyterian (Cochranville).

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Stoneback of Bristol, Pa., and sister Lois Self of Cleveland, Tenn.

She is survived by her six children, Martha Harshbarger Lombardi of Pine, Colorado, Debra Harshbarger of New Stanton, Pa., Mark Harshbarger of Mt. Joy, Pa, John Harshbarger of Milwaukee Wis,, James Harshbarger of Somerset, Pa., and Luke Harshbarger, Oxford, Pa. She is also survived by her two brothers, John C. Empie Jr. of Cochranville and David Empie of State College, Pa., her sister Carol Wright of Phoenixville, Pa., one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The Praise Service will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 600 Stony Battery Rd, Landisville, PA 17538, with visitation from 10 until 11 a.m.

Burial will occur at Faggs Manor Cemetery later in the day.

Arrangements are being handled by the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com