Ruthaleen Joy Edwards, 88, of Cumberland, MD passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center. Born May 23, 1925, in Harman, WV.
Mrs. Edwards was the daughter of the late Jonas Cooper and Martha “Mattie” (Blizzard) Harman. She was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Harman; a sister, Eva (Harman) Cooper; infant sister, Ardith K. Harman and infant brother, Justin S. Harman. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Her family had owned property that eventually was developed and became part of Timberline as well as property that eventually became Canaan Valley State Park. They used the property for pasture in the summer and eventually sold the land quite cheaply. She was a descendant of early settlers to the Harman Area including: Jesse and Sarah Cooper Harman and Samuel and Mary Susan Bennett Blizzard.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 65 years, William “Bill” D. Edwards; and her daughters, Donna S. Edwards, Baltimore, and Gloria Jeanne (Dave) Sterrett, Staunton, Va. She also leaves behind a nephew, Darryl (Lilly) Harman, nieces Sheryl (Bruce) Hartley, Phyllis (Tim) Turner, Sharon Harman.
Ruth was a graduate of Harman High School and was formerly employed with W.T. Grant Department Store. She was a member of the Livingstone Church of the Brethren where she served as a Deacon and sang in the choir. Ruth was active in the community having been a member of the Cumberland Garden Club, the South Cumberland Businessmen’s Association, Salvation Army, served as a judge at the Allegany County Fair, and served as an election judge for local elections. She was a 50-year member of the Mapleside Homemakers Club, holding a variety of offices.
Friends were received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, Cumberland, MD, and interment followed in Sunset Memorial Park.