Ruth Hershey Risser Wimble, 88

Ruth Hershey Risser Wimble, 88, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at her home at Simpson Meadows Retirement Community in Downingtown with family by her side. Born in Clay, PA, on March 21, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Susannah M. Hershey and Peter M. Risser and the wife of the late William E. Wimble, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Harriett Risser Keene of Millersville; two sons, W. Edward Wimble III (Susan) of Phoenixville, and David N. Wimble (Jeannie) of Coatesville; two daughters, Barbara L. Wimble (William) of Orange, VA, and Cynthia Wimble Spaziani (Michael) of Kennett Square; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-greatgranddaughters. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Grace Risser Strickler and Florence Risser Malalis; brothers Peter H. Risser, John H. Risser, and James H. Risser; and a granddaughter, Melanie M. Neide.

A beauty queen in her day, Ruth was crowned “Queen of the Carnival” in 1947 and “Queen of the Candles” in 1948 in Lititz. She graduated from Lititz High School in 1948 and completed the Registered Nurse program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster in 1951.

Ruth had a 38-year career in nursing, including working for Elmhurst Hospital in IL and Riddle Hospital in Media, PA. She was Riddle Hospital’s first Utilization Coordinator and, after retirement, she volunteered for many years in the Short Procedure Unit there. She was known as a caring and compassionate nurse.

A longtime resident of West Chester, Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother who was very proud of her family. She enjoyed many trips around the country with her family and, in retirement, trips overseas with her husband. She was an avid reader and a crossword puzzle enthusiast.

A private burial will be held at Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service for Ruth will be held on Saturday, September 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Birmingham Friends Meetinghouse at 1245 Birmingham Road in West Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to Neighborhood Health Hospice at 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380.