Ruth Elizabeth Halsey

Ruth Elizabeth Halsey, beloved wife, loving mother and grandmother, age 78, of Bel Air, MD passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Mrs. Halsey was surrounded by her husband and four children at her passing. Born in Washington County, VA, she is the daughter of the late George Henry and Mary Belle Owens Inscore. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she enjoyed serving in many volunteer positions, including Sunday School teacher, Primary Children's Group teacher and leader, and as President of the Baltimore Maryland Stake Relief Society, a women's charitable organization with more than 1, 000 members. She devoted her life to the happiness and well-being of her family, teaching with love while setting high expectations.

Mrs. Halsey is survived by her husband of 58 years, Alden H. Halsey; sons: Mark F. Halsey and wife, Mary, of Eldersburg, Craig T. Halsey and wife, Anne, of Forest Hill and Brett A. Halsey and wife, Deanna of Bel Air; daughter: Susan B. Sheridan and husband, Stan, of Bel Air; brother: G. Michael Inscore of Fayettville, NC; sisters: Sandra M. Sann and husband, George, of Jarrettsville, Anna F. Huth and husband, George, of Edgewood and Brenda J. Korwin and husband, John, of Naperville, IL; 17 grandchildren: Seth Halsey and wife, Geri, of Havre de Grace, Byron Halsey and wife, Ashley, of San Diego, CA, Laura Taylor and husband, Danny, of Plymouth, MN, Ryan Halsey and wife, Libbi, of Decatur, IL, Joan Halsey of Eldersburg, Brandon Halsey and wife, Rachael, of Billings, MT, Grant and Brad Halsey of Provo, UT, Ross and Drew Halsey of Forest Hill, Kevin Halsey of Washington, DC, Shane Halsey of College Park, Ben Halsey of Bel Air, Steven Sheridan - currently serving a church mission in Mendoza, Argentina, Matthew, Lindsay and Emma Sheridan - all of Bel Air; and 7 great-grandchildren: Hazel and Averett Halsey of Havre de Grace, Lila, Miles and Calvin Halsey of San Diego, CA, Marianna Taylor of Plymouth, MN and Thomas Halsey of Decatur, IL.

Mr. Halsey characterized his wife as "the touchstone of the family who gently, yet firmly, guided her family with faith, love, and a keen sense of humor. Her happiest and most enduring memories were of times spent with her children and their families." An avid reader and flower gardener, Mrs. Halsey also enjoyed traveling and outings with her sisters and brother and their spouses. Her children recalled that she made everyone feel welcome in her home and always engaged in pleasant and uplifting conversation. "We had great fun as a family and Mom was always at the center of things," they remembered fondly.

Pallbearers will be Mrs. Halsey's grandsons: Seth, Byron, Ryan, Brandon, Grant, Brad, Ross, Drew, Kevin, Shane and Ben Halsey and Matt Sheridan. Honorary pallbearer will be Steven Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be sent to: The Alden and Ruth Halsey Scholarship Fund, 1006 Southern Drive, Bel Air, MD 21014. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving senior at North Harford High School with interests in education or agriculture.