Ruth Marie Wagschal Mengers, 94, born in Greenville, PA, on January 9, 1932, died at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Joy and David Smith in Carbondale, PA on April 29, 2026.  She graduated as Valedictorian from Rhinebeck High School in New York in 1949, married Gerhardt Mengers on August 23, 1952 (deceased in 2008) and graduated from Dana College in Nebraska in 1953.  

She lost two infants, David and Rebecca, but is survived by her older sister: Lois Fitch; sister-in-law: Susan Mengers; five children and their spouses: Joy (David) Smith; David (Maria Elena) Mengers; Amy (Eugene) Walters; Timothy (Smita) Mengers; Heidi (Richard) Ferguson; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren, plus a host of exchange students who called her mom.    

Living in Ohio most of her life, she moved to Maryland with her son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Smita as her health worsened. For nearly five years they provided for her until April 1st when she and her dog Ven moved to Pennsylvania.  She was skilled at handcrafts including knitting and basket weaving, was an avid reader, and was Canasta Queen to her family.  

She was beloved by many including her Maryland caregivers, Keni, Laura, Yeny and Sule.  The family thanks them, Frederick Health Hospice of Maryland, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, and friend/caregiver, Lynnae White who was with when she died.  

Ruth donated her body through Humanities Gift Registry with the aid of Parise Funeral Home in Carbondale, to become a "silent teacher" at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  A celebration of Life service will be held in Chillicothe, Ohio on June 6, 2026.