Obituaries
Ruth W. Stas, 92
May 09, 2021
Ruth W. Stas, 92, of Lancaster passed away at her home on May 9, 2021 with her loving family by her side. Born in Long Level, PA she was the daughter of the late Harry and Naomi (Kisner) Wallick and beloved wife of Michael J. Stas, with whom she shared 50 blissful years together and 48 years of marriage.
Ruth attended Millersville University where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. She also pursued her doctorate in Asian Studies from NYU. A three-time Fulbright scholar, Ruth traveled to Japan, India, and Korea where she studied the culture and was honored to meet privately with the Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda (Japan) and the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (India).
Ruth was a dedicated educator for her entire life. For 25 years she was a beloved teacher and staple of Manheim Township School District where she taught Social Studies, a K-12 coordinator, and a senior class advisor. She was an instructor at Millersville University where she taught on methods of teaching for over five years. Ruth also worked for McDougal Littell publishers for 10 years, educating teachers on how to most effectively utilize textbook based materials.
On her time off and in her retirement, Ruth was an avid advocate for Social Studies education through many local and national organizations. She was a long-time member of the Lancaster Council for Social Studies, the Pennsylvania Council for Social Studies, the Middle States Council for Social Studies, and the National Council for Social Studies. She held a position as president with the Pennsylvania Council and the Middle States Council. For her 50 years of dedication and numerous contributions, PCSS named a new sustainability award “The Ruth W. Stas Sustainability Award.” Additionally, Ruth was a member of the Lancaster County Historical Society, where she participated in the organization of History Bees, and the PA Geographical Society. She also enjoyed reading, birdwatching, tending to her garden, and traveling with her husband and family.
Ruth made a long-lasting mark in the realm of education and her legacy lives on in the memories of her students and the hearts of her family and friends.
She will be dearly missed by her husband, Michael J. Stas, a son; Charles Ferguson and his wife Heather, a daughter; Viki Layman, grandchildren; Dr. Andrew Layman and Matthew Layman and his wife Sarah Layman, R.N., great-grandchildren; Lucy and Molly Layman, and numerous nephews and cousins. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings; Kenneth Wallick, Spurgeon Wallick, and Tybertus “Ty” (Wallick) Brown.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Milagro House at 669 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 or at https://www.milagrohouse.org/donate.
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Condolences to the Family
November 24, 2021
Mrs. Stas was one of my favorite teachers. She treated me like I was actually smart and her classes were a bright spot in an otherwise dreary several years. I’ve thought of her many times over the years and still read about other people and places. She made quite the impression. awonder woman and teacher. My sympathy to all.
August 29, 2021
Hi Mike, Charlie and Viki,
I’m sorry I have been away and didn’t immediately see Ruth’s obituary. As you know Ruth was a vital part of my development as a teacher and a person. We spent much time together professsionally and personally my first few years. She was a real “guru” for me in so many ways. I have many good memories of Mike, Ruth and me, and then later Joan spending time together. I’m sure you have many good memories to sustain you at this time. I offer my sincerest sympathy.
Douglas C Witmer
May 22, 2021
Sorry to hear of Ruth’s death. She and Mike were almost always around at PCSS and MSCSS. She will be missed. My condolences to Mike and family.
Leo West
May 18, 2021
I was active in the Pennsylvania Council for Social Studies with Ruth for over 15 years. What a vibrant, energetic, committed person! She was a great leader in social studies education and strong advocate for the field. Ruth was a tireless worker for PCSS and many other organizations. She was a great help to me when getting involved in PCSS. My condolences to Mike and the family. Jim Williams
May 18, 2021
I am writing to offer my condolences on the passing of Ruth Stas. Mrs. Stas as I knew her in high school made such a positive impression in my life that I think of her often. Her strength, her kindness, her compassion, her knowledge and her ability to share them all with her students were a Godsend for which I will always be grateful. My sincerest sympathies for your loss and I thank you for sharing her with us all.
Sue Ann Braconaro
May 17, 2021
As an adjunct professor for Temple University, I was privileged to have had Ruth as a student in two of my classes. Although that was more than 25 years ago, I remember her so well. A bright and enthusiastic student, always bearing a smile! What a positive and upbeat attitude she had! I remember her so fondly. My condolences to the family that has her now only in their memories.
Robert Frick
May 17, 2021
A great person who touched the world. Her kindness and mentoring changed my life and my career. She embodied all that is right in our world. She is a true model for anyone who wants to be an educator in social studies. Thank you from all that you touched.
Steve Bullick
May 16, 2021
Mr Stas and family,
I was one of Mrs Stas’s students in the late 70’s/early 80’s. She was one of my favorite teachers not only because she made learning interesting and fun, but also because she was a strong woman. Such a tremendous role model. My thoughts are with you.
Sue Wade Sensenig MTHS 81
May 16, 2021
As longtime neighbors, we remember Ruth and Mike when they were here for many family events. Ruth was always interested in and supportive of the kids, and she showed by example that she was a lifelong learner. A life well lived. We send our love and condolences.
Marianne Thomas and Family
May 16, 2021
Mike, While the loss of a loved one is always a heartache, Ruth’s story is one of love and accomplishment. Truly a life well-lived. Our meeting Ruth and you as neighbors years ago was a blessing. We will forever remember her and her infectious sense of humor. All our love, Patti and Barry
May 16, 2021
I had your mom for World Religions back in ’78 or ’79. She was probably my favorite teacher in high school (I was her worst student I am sure). I loved her class. All these years later I am still facinated by religions, their history and place in society.
Lisa Drennen
