Obituary for Ruth Elizabeth Harig
Ruth Elizabeth Harig
Ruth Harig passed away, unexpectedly, on May 14 in her residence at Brookdale of Montrose.
Born on April 28,1934 in Queenstown, New Zealand, Ruth and her twin, David Murray of Auckland, New Zealand, were the third and fourth children of Stan and
Emma Murray. Known for her passion and creative abilities, she received her degree from The University of Qtago in New Zealand and then came to the United States to pursue post-graduate work at The University of Wisconsin.
Graduating with a Master''s Degree in Physical Education & Dance, she took her first position with the faculty at The University of New Hampshire. During a Christmas hiatus, she met her husband, the late Reverend Richard Harig. They would be married a year later, and went on to enjoy nearly 50 years together. The beloved partnership of Richard and Ruth was felt by many who were their friends, as well as by numerous
parishioners during
Richard''s ministry in Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York state.
Ruth served on the flower arranging committee at Stan Hywet Hall; worked in real estate in west Akron; was a volunteer at The Akron General Medical Center; served as a member of Witan; and remained active in the Akron Garden Club. She was an accomplished artist with oils, pastels and watercolors. Ruth loved all things beautiful, and sought to find the beauty in the hearts of all she met.
She is survived by her siblings in New Zealand: Muriel Bowie, Graeme Murray, David Murray, and their spouses and families. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marjory Bruns and
Richard Harig. Her son, Jeff Cordoba-Harig, lives in Boston with his family.
A memorial service will be held FRIDAY, May 19, 11 a.m. at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. with the Rev. Mark J. Pruitt officiating. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Akron Garden Club, P.O. Box 13343, Fairlawn, OH 44334, or a charity of one''s choice. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)