Ruth (Deniker) Donald

Ruth M. (Deniker) Donald died on Monday, May 18, 2015 surrounded by family, after a brief hospitalization in Cumberland, MD.

Ruth was born on January 28, 1940, in Barton, MD, Allegany County. Her parents were John and Mary (Mowbray) Deniker. She graduated from Valley High School as valedictorian of her class in 1958.

She was married to Carl J. Donald for 54 years. They resided in Braddock Heights for 51 of their years together.

Ruth became a registered nurse in 1961. She was employed by Frederick Memorial Hospital in that year and retired from there in 1995. Her last position at the hospital was supervising nurses in the cardiac care unit. She was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederick for more than fifty years. She enjoyed Bible study, United Methodist Women and being involved in various projects and activities of the church.

Ruth enjoyed working in her flower gardens, collecting bells and traveling with her family and friends. After retirement, she particularly liked traveling with her sister, Juanita, and some special nurse friends every season of each year.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her son Jerry D. Donald, his wife Beverly (Weatherholt), and granddaughters Blair, Molly and Brooke, all of Braddock Heights. Also surviving are four siblings: Ellsworth Deniker (Phyllis), Juanita Bland, John Deniker (Shirley) and Doris Murphy (William) all of Allegany County, MD, and eight nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law John Bland, in-laws Carl and Phyllis Donald and brother and sister-in-law Marty and Carole Donald.

Ruth was very much loved by her husband, son and his family, her siblings and their families and many who knew her from her church and profession. She was also willing to be of service to anyone who could benefit from her efforts. It was very gratifying for her in her last years to know that those whose lives she touched remained willing to reciprocate.

The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 22 at 11AM at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 703 W. Patrick St., Frederick, MD. Pastor Lynn Wilson will officiate.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ruth Deniker Donald Memorial Nursing Scholarship, C/O: Allegany College of Maryland Foundation, 12401 Willowbrook Rd., SE, Cumberland, MD 21502, or to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 705 West Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701.