Ruth Schillinger Burns

Ruth Schillinger Burns, 100, of Forest Hill, MD passed away on September 29, 2015 at her home. Born in Upper Crossroads, MD, she was the daughter of the late Henry Schillinger and Ida Margaret (Johnson) Schillinger and wife of the late Joseph Verner Burns. Except for some short trips overseas, Ruth has been part of the Harford County landscape where she was born, raised, worked and retired. She served in the Harford County Public School system for 35 years. For 25 of those years, she taught 5th grade at Churchville Elementary School where she was respected by her students and peers for her professional dedication to education excellence.

After retiring, she continued to serve her community as a volunteer. She was actively involved in Meals on Wheels, the Steppingstone Museum and the second hand store in Havre de Grace for the Harford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. In 2006 she was honored by the County Council as a Harford Living Treasure.

Ruth was an integral part of her churches ministry at Union Chapel where she taught Sunday School, participated in Bible studies and her Christian service organization-the United Methodist Women. She also researched and wrote the History of her church. As a disciple of Christ, she was especially dedicated to the sick and shut-ins by sending cards of care and encouragement.

Mrs. Burns is survived by her daughter, Sandra Barthel (Richard) of Forest Hill; grandchildren, Graham, Jonathan and Clayton Barthel and Caroline Stallings; great-grandchildren, Erin Jarvis, Morgan, Madison, Tristan, Seamus and Ronan Barthel, Ryan, Ruth and Henry Stallings. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, H. Grey Schillinger and her sister, Anna S. Plummer.

Pallbearers will be Richard, Graham, Jonathan and Clayton Barthel, Ryan Stallings and Bob Plummer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 1012 Old Joppa Road, Joppa, MD 21085.