Obituary of Rubye M. Barto

Rubye M. Barto, 102, of Manheim, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, September 5, 2024 at Pleasant View Retirement Community in the presence of her family.  Born in Manheim, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Sarah Myers Bissinger.  She was the wife of the late Medwin W. Barto for 58 years prior to his passing in 1997.

In addition to being a lifelong active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manheim, she was the oldest living member at the time of her passing.  She recognized and met a need in the church by creating and teaching a Sunday school class for children with special abilities.  This class was not only attended by children of Zion, but from other congregations and communities.

Rubye was a charter member of the women’s auxiliary of the Manheim VFW and was always willing to support US troops and veterans.  In her younger years, she was employed by a glove factory and by the former Raymark, both in Manheim.  She then became a beloved teachers’ aid in the Manheim Central School District, working for 26 years at Doe Run Elementary and the former White Oak elementary schools.  She retired at 79 years old because she said, “It would be ridiculous to be working at 80!”

Rubye loved the community of Manheim and her family.  She volunteered at the Manheim Community Library and the Manheim Historical Society.  For many years, she would join her family on trips to Rehoboth Beach.  She also learned the craft of card stamping and blessed friends and family members with special greeting cards.

She is survived by four children, Linda, wife of the late William Martin, II, of Manheim, Nancy, wife of Michael Kaufhold, of Millersville, Jere Barto, husband of the late Tyler Brooks, of Longmont, CO, and Cynthia, wife of Donald Breneman, of Manheim; 12 grandchildren, Beth (Michael) Schroll, Christopher (Denese) Gantz, William Martin, III, Claudia (Shawn) Seibert, Timothy (Heydz) Barto, Sarah (Chris) Krier, Todd (Katie) Barto, Emily (Tyler) Charles, Tyler (Kelli) Barto, Alexandra Brooks, Allison (Evan) Yelk, and Kassidy (Bronson) Breneman Nolt; 15 great grandchildren; two great great grandsons; a son-in-law, Paul, husband of the late D. Elaine (Barto) Gantz of Manheim; a sister, Doreen Myers of Landisville; and a sister-in-law, Virginia Bissinger of Landisville.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas, husband of the late Pamela Barto; and three brothers, Melvin, Donald, and Durell Bissinger.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday morning, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 2 South Hazel Street, Manheim, PA 17545.  There will be no public viewing.  The family will greet guests at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the service.  Private interment will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery.  If desired, contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.  To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.