3/20/2025
Ruth M. Bare passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on March 20, 2025 at the age of 93. Her passing was sad but precious as she was surrounded by her loving husband, children and grandchildren.
Ruth was born in 1931 in Strasburg, PA to the late Amos Groff Ranck and Martha (Miller) Ranck. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High in 1949. She married in 1952 and lived on Millcreek Road, Bird-in-Hand for 68 years. Her last 5 years were at Fairmount Homes Retirement Community in Farmersville, PA. She was under the excellent care of Wellspan Hospice for the past year.
Ruth was a remarkable woman with many talents. She was a master seamstress, cook, baker and gardener. She was also a superb hostess, often entertaining friends and family. A camera was always close by for her to snap photos of her family and friends and the experiences she had with them. Everyone who visited her beach house remembers the many collages of family photos she lovingly created.
Ruth lived a life deeply rooted in faith and serving others with kindness, generosity and grace. She was a pillar in her church, Forest Hills Mennonite where she was Elder, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Hospitality Committee and leader of the Sewing Circle. She also served the local 4-H Club teaching the girls to sew and was Treasurer and President of the Bird-in-Hand Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The Spring and Fall ham dinners were her responsibility for many years which was a job passed to her by her mother-in-law, Marion Bare. She also used her organizational and business skills in her husband’s business, E.K. Bare & Sons where she was Bookkeeper and Treasurer for 20 years.
Ruth is survived by her husband John Jacob (Jake). Their marriage of 73 years was a very happy one. Jake and Ruth were a terrific team. They traveled the United States and visited many countries in Europe and South and Central America. They were blessed to own a beach house and a boat in Ocean City, NJ which they shared with family and friends for over 30 years.
Ruth is also survived by her 3 children, Dean Edward Bare married to Eileen (Rohrer) Bare, Diane Bare Raymond, and Sandra (Bare) Clark married to Murl E. Clark. Her 9 grandchildren are Joshua Bare married to Nellie (Sharp) Bare, Joel Bare married to Sara (Kauffman) Bare, Jenny (Bare) Snyder married to Ryan Snyder, Joseph Raymond, Andrew Raymond married to Adriene (Stahl) Raymond, Rachael Raymond, Robert Loew married to Tara Loew, Shauna (Clark) Mugavero married to Joseph Mugavero and Barrett Clark married to Liza (Farley) Clark. There are also 18 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Ruth’s sister, Dorothy M. Kreider preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Rd., Leola on April 2, 2025 at 11:00 am. A time of visitation will begin at 9:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Wellspan Hospice, 1503 Quentin Road, Lebanon, PA 17042.