Ruth Marie Barnett's Obituary
Ruth Marie (Eddy) Barnett, age 94, passed peacefully with family by her side on October 25, following a stroke.
Ruth was born on March 23, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Haven and Helen Eddy. A gifted student with a love of learning, she attended her beloved Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in German and Social Studies, followed by a Master of Science in Library Science from the Drexel Institute of Technology. She dedicated her career to sharing that love as a librarian and educator.
In January 1952, Ruth married Richard “Dick” P. Heisler, with whom she raised three children and a home full of pets. After Dick’s passing, Ruth was blessed to find love again with Theodore “Ted” Barnett, whom she married in December 1991.
Ruth lived a life rich in faith, curiosity, and joy. She believed life was an adventure worth embracing and never stopped finding new ways to learn, explore, laugh, and care for others. She delighted in reading, traveling, boating, golfing, quilting, sewing, knitting, and volunteering during her retirement years. Ruth especially cherished her time in Lewes, Delaware—its community, its coastline, and its calm. A devoted member of St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church, Ruth treasured her church family, rang in the bell choir, and used her creative talents to give back to the community. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, adventurous spirit, and her constant pursuit of learning. Her faith, love, and enthusiasm carried her through every chapter—only being called home to Heaven could slow her down.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Richard “Dick” Eddy; ??her first husband, Richard “Dick” Heisler; and her second husband, Theodore “Ted” Barnett.
She is survived by her children: Robert P. Heisler (Colleen), Bruce D. Heisler, and Janet H. Diamond; her sister, Jared “Jerry” Pratt; niece, Jessa Williams; nephew, Ian Pratt; her beloved parakeet, Buddy; and her grandchildren: Ryan Heisler (Maeve), Michael Diamond (Kristen), Patrick Heisler, Kasie Chaplick, Amelia Henderson (John), Melissa Nicotra, and Meredith Hough; ??as well as ten great-grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered by her stepchildren: Andy & Ellen Barnett, Teddy & Alice Barnett, Julie & Michael Lamborn, and Mollie & Chas Kerin; and her grandchildren: Ben Barnett (Kaitlyn), Sam Barnett (Cassie), Allie King (David), TJ Barnett, Justin Lamborn (Meghan), Haley Lamborn, Jodi Lamborn, Amelia Adkins (Lee), Mallory Mackie (Brendan), and Sidney Faust (Logan); along with twelve great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Ruth’s family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating her remarkable life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m. ??at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 2nd Street, Lewes, Delaware. Interment will follow in the church courtyard columbarium, and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Ruth’s honor to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to shine in the generations she inspired.
Please visit Ruth’s Life Memorial at https://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this website.
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