Ruth C. Gallagher

Ruth C. (Nace) Gallagher passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022. She rejoined her beloved husband of 69 years, Wilbur (Bill) Gallagher, who passed away on September 3rd of this year.

Ruth was born in Porters Sideling, PA in 1935. She was the third child of Lewis C. Nace and Mary E. Rearich. A 1953 graduate of Eichelberger High School, she remained in touch with many of her classmates throughout her life. Shortly after graduation, she married Bill at Wetzel’s Church in Spring Grove. They lived in Clarksville, TN while he was stationed there in the Marine Corps. They both returned to Hanover where Ruth worked for the Hanover Shoe Company before she and Bill purchased their first farm near Lineboro, MD. There, she and Bill raised cattle, sheep, and several flocks of chickens. After the birth of their son, Michael, they moved to a larger chicken farm in Glenville, PA where she continued with farm life. Ruth was an active volunteer in the Southern York County School District, and she was devoted to life on the farm, keeping the home in order. She and Bill retired in 1998. Before and after retirement, Ruth was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to her many plants which always seemed to grow very well under her care. She also enjoyed cooking (especially baking), sewing, and making homemade crafts that she used to decorate the house. Like her husband, Ruth was involved in the PAL Lunch program and Toy Workshop at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hanover for many years, ensuring that those in need were fed and had brighter holidays with their families.

Ruth is survived by her son, Michael Gallagher and his wife, Beth, of Lansdale, PA; and grandsons, Ethan and Owen.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, November 28, 2022 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 116 York Street in Hanover, with The Rev. Dr. Kim Blocher officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a viewing at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society by visiting act.audubon.org or to the Boy Scouts of America by visiting donations.scouting.org