Ruth E. Harshbarger

Ruth Mae Empie Harshbarger, 84, of Mt. Joy, passed away on Sunday, April 5th, 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 is preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Stoneback, Bristol, PA, and sister Lois Self, Cleveland, TN.  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 WI, 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 AM at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 600 Stony Battery Rd, Landisville, PA 17538, with visitation from 10 until 11 AM.  Burial will occur at Faggs Manor Cemetery later in the day.

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