Ruth N. Sensabaugh

Ruth Elaine Newcomer Sensabaugh, 100, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. 

Born on June 12, 1924, in Petersburg, West Virginia to the late Merritt Seville and Mabel Augustus Kesner Newcomer, Ruth lived a full life defined by her dedication to family, work, and her community.

Ruth served in more recent years as an administrative secretary in the President's office at Bridgewater College, and in the James Madison University Child Development Clinic in Harrisonburg, where she positively impacted the students, families and children during her tenure.

In addition to her professional achievements, Ruth was a devoted member of the Massanutten Presbyterian Church. She was highly active within the church community, particularly as a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Women, where she cherished her lasting friendships and connected deeply with her faith.

Ruth's passions extended beyond her professional life. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, and gardening - activities that she undertook with enthusiasm and skill. Her family often cherished the handmade items she created, each piece reflecting her love and care.

She is survived by her son, Charles Douglas Sensabaugh and his wife Julia; her sister, Nelda Jean Newcomer Wiseman; her grandchildren, Deanna Tutwiler, Anne Lowry, Joshua Sensabaugh, Lindsay Pace, Wynn Culbertson, and Marcus Sensabaugh; twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her loving husband, Charles Clemmer Sensabaugh, she is preceded in death by her sons, Richard Dennis and Lewis Clemmer Sensabaugh; her grandson, Matthew Dennis Sensabaugh; her half-brothers Richard H. and Robert S. Anderson; and her half-sisters, Mary Eleanor Newcomer Riddleberger and Margaret Hazel Anderson Terry.

A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 1:00PM at Massanutten Presbyterian Church in Penn Laird, Virginia and inurnment at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro will be conducted at a later date.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Massanutten Presbyterian Church (50 Indian Trail Road, Penn Laird, VA 22846).