Obituary of Ruth Leona Murr Binkley

Ruth Leona Murr Binkley, 106 years of age, loving wife, sister, aunt, and friend to all went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 10, 2024.  Ruth was the youngest of seven children.  She was born on November 5, 1917 in Lancaster to Christian Harry and Annie Bierley Murr.  She was a long-time resident of Millersville before moving to the Mennonite Home where she died after a brief illness.

Ruth attended the Rock Hill and Stevens one room schools and graduated from Manor Township High School.  After graduation she was employed by the former Hamilton Watch Company and Stehli Silk Mills, both in Lancaster. Later, she was employed at John Herr’s Market in Millersville.

As a member of Stehman Memorial United Methodist Church she sang in the choir and it was at church she met Willis Hess Binkley.  On August 24, 1940, they were married in the church, the first public wedding to be held at Stehman Church.  

Ruth’s passion to work in the “dirt” was fulfilled by tending a large garden, growing produce to be canned, frozen, or given away.  She opened her home and table to all for food and conversation.  Canned produce was brought from the well-stocked cold cellar shelves to be generously shared.  Walnuts gathered from the tree on the property were used to create her delicious walnut cake.  While she encouraged nieces and nephews to “eat your vegetables” she secretly enjoyed her “sweets.”

Although Ruth and Willis were not blessed with children of their own, this special couple had a meaningful and lasting influence in the lives of numerous children.  For many years, Ruth served as a Sunday school teacher and Director of the Children’s Day Program at Stehman.  Teaching by example, she was the favored Aunt to her four generations of nieces and nephews.

The date for a Memorial Service will be announced at a later time.  To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.