Ruth Devona Rhoe
1934-2023
Ruth Devona Rhoe, nee Hansroth, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
She was born on April 5, 1934 in Morgan County, W.Va. to the late Floyd B. Hansroth and Helen Barker Hansroth.
Ruth was a 1952 graduate of Berkeley Springs High School.
She graduated from West Virginia University in 1956 and went on to work with the Central Intelligence Agency briefly before returning to her graduate studies at West Virginia University, University of Maryland, and Shippensburg University.
Ruth was a French teacher at South Hagerstown High School for 34 years before her retirement in 1992. She was dedicated to her students and career, was among one of the first teachers in the county to organize and accompany trips to France for her students, and received an Award of Excellence in Teaching by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, Ruth was active in her community as a longtime member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church since 1959, a member of the Washington County Retired Education Personnel Association, a member of the Maryland Retired Teachers Association, a member of the Ladies of the Elks – Lodge 378, and a member of Beaver Creek Country Club.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bobby Raymond Rhoe, her brother, John W. Hansroth, her brother-in-law, Everett Crowell, and her nephews, John “Andy” Andrew Hansroth and Christopher Joseph Hansroth.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly Rhoe Connolly and her husband William “Bill” and Michelle “Shelli” Gest and her husband, John “Jack”, her grandchildren, Megan Connolly, Matthew “Matt” Connolly, Nicole Gest, and Jenna Gest, her brother, David “Larry” Hansroth and his wife, Jody, her sisters-in-law, Phyllis Hansroth and Dolly Crowell, her brother-in-law, Dennis Rhoe and his wife, Linda, and several nieces and nephews. She is additionally survived by a special friend and caregiver, Karen Walla.
Family and friends are welcomed for a graveside service on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Rest Haven Cemetery, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hagerstown. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 802 Summit Avenue in Hagerstown. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 1 p.m. at the church.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Homewood Retirement Community.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s name to: Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
Online condolences may be made at: www.minnichfh.com
