Bedford, PA – Ret. Major Ruth D. Ernst, passed away Sunday July 9, 2017 at Allegany Nursing and Rehab, Cumberland.
Born October 15, 1925 in Fairhope; she was the daughter of the late Milton Roy and Pearl Maggie Jane (Emerick) Ernst. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Mabel A. Nies and Alice E. Clark.
Survived by a nephew; John Nies, niece, Onelee Jakowski both of Baltimore, MD; great nephews, Andrew and Jason; great nieces, Erin and Adrienne; and many cousins.
Ruth graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing earning an RN degree. She began her military career in the US Army serving for 2 years before going into the US Air Force where she would serve the next 20 years earning the Rank of Major. She served during both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. She attended to the soldiers being flown off the battlefield to hospitals. She was stationed all over the world.
After retirement, she had taken care of many of her family members who had been ill or home bound. She was also a member of various veteran’s organizations over the years.
Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Thursday July 13, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday July 14, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dan Leister officiating.
Burial will follow at Comps Cemetery with Military Honors by the Ft. Bedford Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.