Ruth M. Hershey, age 96, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.  She was the wife of the late John H. Hershey.  Born in New Holland, she was the daughter of the late Rufus D. and Ida K. Binkley Martin.  Ruth was a graduate of Lititz High School, Class of 1946.  She was an active member of Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square for over 50 years where she was involved with the ladies Sunday School class, women's Bible Study, and sang in the choir.  She faithfully served as a mentor to younger women. She retired from the Kendal at Longwood after 18 years of service.  She was a member of Agnes Irwin Missionary Society, board member and active volunteer of the Spanish Health Ministry of Kennett Square for almost 40 years, and volunteered at the Kennett Area Senior Center in the Book Shop.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, cooking and baking from scratch, and she loved her cats.  She is survived by 4 daughters: Elaine wife of Rev. Donald Propert of Belfast, NY, Jane Hershey of Potter Hollow, NY, Gloria wife of Anthony Iacono of Friendship, NY, Elizabeth Hershey Ross wife of the late Ernest Ross of Kennett Square, 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.  She was preceded in death by 2 daughters: Rhoda Louise Hershey, Margaret late wife of Larry Gouge of New Holland, and her sister Esther Hoover.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 10 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to Spanish Health Ministry, Inc., 205 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.