Ruth Naugle

Ruth Arlene Warman Naugle, 89, of Gettysburg, whose spirit escaped from its captive body, Friday January 20, 2017, to be in the presence of her Lord, her beloved husband, her relatives and friends who had gone before her. The circle was complete. Her earthly presence began on February 10, 1927 in Gettysburg, Penna when she was welcomed by her parents Arthur William Warman and Lila Myers Warman. She joined her elder siblings, brothers Arthur Jr. and Clayton and sister, Thelma in the Warman home on East Middle Street. Sadly, at age 8, she lost her mother to cancer. A few years later, a step-mother, Mary Creager, and a step-brother Raymond joined the family to help Arthur with his young brood. As Ruth grew and matured, there were many family experiences that would affect her life, including a depression, and watching her brothers and this red headed guy she met in high school become engaged in world war. ‘Reds'persisted until he won her heart just prior to answering the call to defend his country. Ruth constantly sent letters to her love and had to endure the news that twice her soldier had been wounded in battle. He recovered, fulfilled his promise to return, and continued the romance. On June 16, 1946, the redheaded young man from Orrtanna, Richard Biesecker Naugle and Ruth Arlene Warman were united in Holy matrimony in the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church. On July 17,1950, they welcomed their first born, Jeffrey Arthur. Ruth loved to say her son belonged to the 'milkman', only to explain that her husband worked for the Gettysburg Ice & Storage delivering milk. On August 1,1952, they welcomed their second son, David Edward and on May 1, 1957, they welcomed a daughter, Rebecca Sue. These two, she proclaimed, belonged to the ‘meter reader' because Dick now worked for Metropolitan Edison the local utility company. Ruth and Dick found the warmth of home first in an apartment on Chambersburg St., moved with their little son to a rented home on West St. and ultimately purchased a lot on Barlow St., next to Dick's parents, George W. and Dorothy B. Naugle and built a ranch style house to raise their two sons, and later daughter, Becky. It was here that many fond memories were made for the family by Ruth, a cook extrodinaire, excellent homemaker, and exceptional hostess. Picnics were a big event for the Naugles both on Barlow St. and on a property rented by George Naugle in the Narrows above Arendtsville. Sunday afternoons were a time to visit relatives, picnic in the Narrows, or travel the local countryside, often ending with an ice cream supper in the family kitchen. Dick loved the outdoors and in hunting season he and the boys would present her with cleaned pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, and venison from which Ruth prepared many a tasty meal. She took great pride in ‘putting on the Ritz' with her finest table settings, even though it wasn't anything expensive, for family and friends, especially on holidays. Sunday dinners were special and so were occasions where Ruth loved welcoming guests, whether nieces & nephews, church friends, relatives or neighbors. Her Christmas cookie variety challenged the number to be found in any bakery. The look and taste of her birthday cakes and assortment of homemade pies were prize winners. Ruth provided ‘homeschool' teaching in the evenings to supplement the public education her children received. Ruth worked part-time as a title search clerk to supplement the family income, always being certain to be home before or soon after her children's school day ended. She nursed her children through a variety of illnesses and home accidents. Her caregiver skills were put to the test when her husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer. So after only 36 years of marriage, she had to say good-bye to the love of her life. But Ruth stepped up and filled the void of grandfather, being a bigger and better grandmother to her grandchildren. She welcomed them into her home, becoming their entertainment and Gettysburg/Adams county guide. She would travel distances alone to visit them in their homes. Always a very social individual, without a mate, she capitalized on the many friendships she had mad over the year by meals out with friends, trips, and continuing to sharpen her skills as a bridge player with the 'bridge ladies'. Ruth gallently fought the ravages of age persisting and striving to live independently at home, only to succome to a broken hip and the inability to fully recover ultimately spending her final in a life style she did not welcome. Still she endured, producing a smile and lively conversation when visited by family and friends. Looking back over her life, she felt joy, great satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Thus she chose to say, "I know there could be more, but I am ready for my day to come. Do not be sad for me, I have had a wonderful life and don't need to ask for more." Ruthie, God bless you! We will ALL always cherish the life you made for us. WE LOVE YOU!! Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.