L. Ruth Bruckhart

 L. Ruth Bruckhart, 86, formerly of Manheim, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at her home in Stevens. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Elvin R. and Martha (Hostetter) Hershey. She was the wife of E. Richard Bruckhart, and they observed their 64th wedding anniversary this past March. Ruth was a faithful member of Hernley Mennonite Church.

 She was selfless in all she did and caring for her family was her greatest joy. She helped run the Manheim family farm for over 50 years. She had a love of “going to market” and spent years growing up working at her family’s stand at various markets in Lancaster. She was a familiar face helping customers at Homestead Gardens, her daughter and son-in-law’s greenhouse business. Ruth was a skilled seamstress sewing over 2,000 tops for comforters donating to charitable organizations. In recent years, her grandchildren spent hundreds of treasured hours with her visiting, playing games, doing puzzles, and talking on the phone enjoying her quick wit and keen interest in their lives. 

 Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Rosene wife of Ron Weaver and Romaine wife of Glenn Hollinger both of Ephrata, two sons, Richard L. husband of Denise (Haldeman) Bruckhart of Manheim and Randall husband of Julie (Hershey) Bruckhart of Montana; 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and three siblings, Nelson Hershey of Mountville, Miriam wife of Harvey Ruhl of Mount Joy and Wilson husband of Donna Hershey of Lancaster. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Roberta Fern Bruckhart and a sister-in-law, Thelma Hershey.

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service at Hernley Mennonite Church, 746 Lebanon Road, Manheim on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM. There will be a viewing at the church on Friday evening from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.