Ruth Marie Garling

Ruth Marie Garling, age 67, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2025. Born on July 6, 1958, in Carlisle, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Helen Finkenbinder. Ruth lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Bill Garling; her beloved children, Amy (Matthew) Rice and Dan (Rachel) Garling; one grandchild, Micah; her brother, David Finkenbinder; and her sister, Lela Zimmerman

A graduate of Big Spring High School, Ruth continued her education where she graduated from Millersville University in 1989 with a BSN. Ruth then got her LPN at Reading Hospital School of Nursing. Her career in nursing reflected her heart for caring, with positions at Lancaster and Harrisburg hospitals, visiting nurse work in Tyrone, PA, and hospice service with Residential Hospice. In her early years, she biked across the country with Wandering Wheels. Ruth’s life was a beautiful testimony to her faith. She served with Gospel Center Missions and Teen Missions, and ministered in Niger as a nurse. She had a special place in her heart for children, volunteering with Release Time, serving as a Sunday School teacher, and working with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).

One of Ruth’s favorite Bible passages was Isaiah 40:30–32: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral and Cremation, Ltd. 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dugan Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. in Shippensburg. On Friday, September 5th, a second visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the memorial service starting at 10:00 a.m., both at Shippensburg First Church of God, 121 E. King Street. The family has invited everyone for a meal that will take place at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ruth’s memory to ministries that support missions or children's outreach—causes that were close to her heart.

Ruth will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and compassionate heart. She lived to serve, to love, and to uplift others. Now she soars with her Savior, renewed and at peace.