Ruth Harris

Ruth Harris, 89 died peacefully on March 8, 2021 at Laurel Circle, Bridgewater. Born in Somerville, Ruth grew up in Bound Brook. She was the daughter of the late Theodore and Alicia (Edgerton) Haase. Ruth was a graduate of Bound Brook High School, (FKA) Trenton State Teachers College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Ruth worked as a Phys. Ed. teacher at Somerville HS for two years. As a Harvey Girl, Ruth worked at Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon before beginning her ministry with the Presbyterian Church at the Navajo Reservation in Ganado, AZ. Ruth taught Phys. Ed and Christian Ed at the reservation for 26 years before retiring. She lived in Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico after retirement, before moving “back home” to NJ. She worked summers at the Silver Bay YMCA Camp at Silver Bay, NY. Ruth traveled the southwest extensively – rafting down the Colorado, horseback riding the Tetons, hiking at Red Rocks. She was the Superintendent of the Bound Brook Cemetery for years and a Caring Minister with the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook. Ruth taught ESL classes in Bound Brook. Ruth loved all God’s creation – nature, people and animals; particularly dogs, horses, and birds and was avidly engaged in the study of scripture and living her faith. Her love of tennis started early when her dad made a clay court in their yard. She loved being on the water having summered and ice boated at Lake Hopatcong as a child. She enjoyed much time with treasured and new friends at Silver Bay and time with family at Lake Wallenpaupack. Ruth was predeceased by her brother Robert Haase and her sister in law, Dollie Haase. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Susan (Ed) Dinkins of CO; Nancy (Jim) Hannon of NJ; Betsy Haase Reimer of NJ; Ted (Ellen) Haase of SC; her great nieces and nephews Kristin Dinkins Davis, Eric Dinkins, Kelly Hannon, Casey Hannon, Melissa Hoffman, Chelsea Reimer, and Heather Haase. Cremation was private. A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am March 20 outdoors graveside at the Bound Brook Cemetery, 500 Mountain Ave, Bound Brook, NJ. Masks required. Arrangements are with Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, Bound Brook. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Silver Bay YMCA, 87 Silver Bay Rd., Silver Bay NY, 12874