Ruth Mae Sanford

Ruth received her childhood education in North Carolina until the 6th grade. Her family then relocated to Harrisburg, PA, where she then completed her education at William Penn high School.

In 1946, Ruth met the love of her life, William Joseph Sanford, Sr., who became her husband November 10, 1947 until his passing in 2011. Ruth and William were married for 64 years and blessed with five children. She was employed with Harrisburg State Hospital for many years until reaching the age of retirement.

Ruth was a God-fearing woman. She attended and taught Sunday School at Shiloh COGIC for many years. In her later years, she became a member of Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on several ministries.

Ruth loved to read her bible, sing hymns and pray. No matter what, she always made sure she said a prayer with you and gave you a scripture or book to leave with. She wanted to make sure you knew the word and you were going to heaven. Ruth would always say to her grandchildren, “ I want to make sure you will be up in heaven with me singing and dancing.”

She gained her wings December 08, 2021, peacefully at her home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband; her brother, Leroy Bass, Jr.; sister, Esther Hunter; son, William “Butch” Jr.; daughter, Mary E. (Sanford) Tomlinson; grandson, Carl L. Brown; and granddaughter, Keyrah Muldrew.

Ruth leaves behind to celebrate her life her daughters, Vivian L. Brown and Theresa L. Holland-Eckenrode (Butch), son, Edward L. Sanford (Delphene); daughter-in-law, Trish Warden (Reggie); and step-daughter, Thalia McClenton. Along with her children, she leaves her three sisters, Louise Royster, Mary Ervin, and Elizabeth Bass; sister-in-law, Beulah Bass; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 36 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Also a godson, Jamar Kennedy, an honorary daughter, Patricia “Trish” Turner; and son, Butch Coleman. Ruth loved to talk on the phone for hours with her best friends, Ruth Kennedy and Mattie Sinclair. She loved everyone and opened her heart and home to anyone she met from her Reily Street gang, up to her Fifth Street boys. Ruth will be in our hearts forever.

Lovingly submitted by her family.