Ruthanna L. (Berkheimer) Laird

Ruthanna L. Laird

YORK - Ruthanna Louise (Berkheimer) Laird entered her eternal rest at 5:50am on March 23, 2023 at Senior Commons at Powder Mill.  Ruthie, as everyone knew her, was born on November 10, 1933.  She was the daughter of Jacob Aaron and Annie Mary Berkheimer.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Stare; and six brothers, Curtis Miller, Ralph Berkheimer, Ken Berkheimer, Roy Berkheimer, Jacob Berkheimer and Richard Berkheimer.

Ruthie is survived by her husband of 70 years, George W. Laird, and their four children: Randy Laird and wife Kim (York, PA), Lindell Gladfelter and husband Kevin (Felton, PA), Gregory Laird and wife Annette (Felton, PA) and Daniel Laird and wife Lori (York, PA).  Ruthie was so proud of her family including her seven grandchildren: Mandi Waltemyer, Rachel Gladfelter, Niki Laird, Seth Gladfelter, Travis Laird, Levi Laird and Stevi Laird.  She took immense joy in spending time with her twelve great-grandchildren.

Ruthie graduated from Dover High School in 1951 and was a Dover Lioness. In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker for her family, she was a seamstress, working at South Pine Nightwear and Tighe Industries.  Later in life she used her sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery skills to make sweaters, hats, blankets, and many other items for her family members and friends.  She won awards at the York Fair for her blankets.  She was also the Director of Stitches of Love who provided thousands of hats to cancer patients in York County.  Ruthie was known for her amazing cooking and baking skills.  Her pot roast and pumpkin and lemon sponge pies were constant requests for family gatherings. 

Ruthie always had an adventurous spirit.  She played field hockey, was invited to join a traveling roller-skating show in her late teens, and square danced with George in her sixties. Her spunky personality flourished during board games and cards with friends and family, especially in the game of Aggravation. The memories created during frequent camping adventures will last forever.  Some of her favorites were her trip out west, Cherry Springs, Otter Creek, and Knoebles Grove. The dogs of Canterbury Lane, where she and George resided for 45 years, knew treats were waiting in her hand at their doorstep.  She continued this tradition with visitation dogs at Senior Commons at Powder Mill.

Ruthie was a woman of faith, living her life as an example of kindness and love.  She was a lifelong member of Dover Bethany U.M. Church, where she served as chairperson of the worship committee and directed drama productions.  Her faith was apparent to anyone who was lucky to spend time with her.  She was constantly putting others’ needs ahead of her own.  

Ruthie helped produce many hats, coats and dresses, often given to others. But she also wore many hats herself, the most important of which was the matriarch of her family.  She was truly the fiber that bound the family together.  She will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ruthie’s funeral at 2:30 p.m. and the viewing from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Dover Bethany U.M. Church, 4510 Bull Road, Dover.  Burial will follow at Dover Bethany Cemetery.  Officiating will be her pastor, the Rev. Salvatore Buonocore.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Dover.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112; or Dover Bethany U.M. Church, 4510 Bull Road, Dover, PA 17315.

To share memories of Ruthie and condolences with her family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com.

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