Ruth Swartley

Ruth F. Swartley, 87 of Country Meadows Hershey, originally of Steelton, died on September 4, 2022 at her home with her family by her side. She was born September 10, 1934 to Joseph and Emma (Shaffner) Yetter and grew up on Myers Street in Steelton''s West Side. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, George "Pete" Getz and Barry L.Yetter and former husband Leon Swartley.

She was married for nearly 42 years and in addition to raising her four children and several others'' children along the way, she was a supportive wife for her husband''s 20 year military career. In addition to Pennsylvania, she called home many names over the years. Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Japan, and Maine but none resonated or brought a smile like talking about Steelton''s West Side, where she returned to live in 1968. Hurricane Agnes, in 1972 ensured the West Side would only live on in her memories but what a memory it provided. When crossing paths with another West Sider the stories would fly, loads of laughs would ensue, and the whole world seemed to be a better place for a short while.

Ruth attended the West Side School and was a 1953 graduate of Steelton High School. She had many employers over the years eventually retiring from AMP-Tyco in 1998. She continued to work after retirement at Capital Area Head Start and while the paycheck was appreciated, it was being with people that gave her the greatest satisfaction. She never met a stranger and could hold a lengthy conversation with a person who when asked their name she had no idea. She was a woman of great faith, a proud congregant of Crosspoint United Methodist Church in Colonial Park and a member of the local Red Hats Chapter, she loved their gatherings.

She had many friends and developed lifelong friendships over the years, it was simply her nature and she treasured those relationships as every person was important. Family and friends were dear to her, and she was affectionately called little Ruthie Yetter, Mom, Gram, Aunt Ruthie and happily answered to any of them. She was a role model and inspiration in a unique way, by living a life of faith and compassion that could be envied by all. She was always on the go, never said no to a trip, regardless of length or destination, and lived life larger than most could imagine.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Susan Klinger (Gene) of Middletown, Sheila Forrester (Ray) of East Hanover Twp., Brenda Swartley of Hummelstown; a son Eric Swartley (Kim) of West Hanover Twp., her brother, Retired Major Joseph Yetter of Camp Hill; six grandchilren, Helen Swartley, Jessica Stein (Taylor), Sean St. Amand (Lucy), Danielle Kryscio, Zachary Long (Julie), Kaydee Forrester, Adam Layton and six great grandchildren, Leah, Kassidy, Jace, Rory, Carson and Zoey.

There is no truth to the rumor they may bury her at Walmart. Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 S. Harrisburg Street, Oberlin will be handling her arrangements and a viewing will be held on Monday September 12, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Followed by service conducted by Pastor Dave Biser at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Churchville Cemetery, Swatara Twp. Oberlin where her parents are buried.

In Lieu of flowers, Ruth would be so honored if everyone practiced one random act of kindness, to make the world a better place. If so inclined, contributions may be made to Crosspoint United Methodist Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg, PA. 17109