Ruth Ann Burkhart Harris

Ruth Ann Burkhart Harris, 85, of Sunset Beach, NC, went home to be with her Lord in the early morning hours of November 10, 2025.

Born in Ephrata, PA, Ruth was the youngest of three children of the late Ralph and Kathryn (Hertzog) Burkhart. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Fred Burkhart, and sister, Lois Burkhart Morgan.

As a child, Ruth spent more than three years bedridden with rheumatic fever, which affected her heart and legs. Yet her spirit was never confined. Her strength, optimism, and unshakable faith carried her through life and became an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

In 1958, Ruth married the love of her life, the late William O. “Bill” Harris, Jr. They shared nearly 60 years together, building their life and family throughout Virginia and Maryland before retiring to Fairmont, WV. Ruth and Bill were blessed with two daughters, Cindy (Joe) James now of Parsonsburg, Maryland, and Susan (Greg) Scarbro now of Sunset Beach, NC; and two cherished granddaughters, Hannah Scarbro of Barboursville, WV, and Kathryn Scarbro of St. Petersburg, FL. Ruth and her granddaughter Kathryn shared an especially close bond—as Ruth helped care for her as a baby and child, and they adored one another deeply. Ruth also has two special nephews, Richard (Lisa) Morgan and John (Susie) Morgan, as well as three beloved nieces, Kathy Gowland, Diane (Carl) Foltz and Sylvia (Pablo) Martin Vega and several great and great grand nieces and nephews who meant the world to her.

After Bill’s passing in 2018, Ruth moved in with Susan and Greg, and together they settled in Sunset Beach—where Ruth often said she spent “the happiest days of my life.”

Ruth was known for her quick wit, gentle spirit, and boundless kindness. She had a gift for making everyone feel at home and loved. Her career included roles in banking and retail, but her greatest and most treasured role was that of a mother and grandmother. She poured her heart into raising her daughters and being active in their lives—serving as homeroom mother, Girl Scout leader, chaperone, and even sports coach. She became a second mom to many.

Faith was central to Ruth’s life. She joyfully served in her churches—singing in holiday choirs, playing handbells, and volunteering in fellowship clubs and Vacation Bible school at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Blenheim, MD, and later at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, WV. She cherished her Bible studies, women’s circles, and church family.

Ruth also loved games and competition. She was an avid WVU Mountaineers, Baltimore Ravens, and Orioles fan, and was famously tough to beat at Pinochle. In her later years, she enjoyed playing Bridge and Bingo with her dear friends and neighbors in Sandpiper Bay, and she never missed an opportunity to share a good meal and laughter with them. She also loved to do puzzles, reading and discovering her roots through genealogy.

Above all, Ruth loved her family. Her presence filled every room with warmth and love, and her absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace with her Savior, and that we will one day be together again in heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday December 6th at 1:30pm at the Sandpiper Bay Resident's Center in Sunset Beach, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to our "Cheer & Chance Givers" fundraising walk & ride for the Immune Deficiency Foundation that will occur December 13th via https://give.primaryimmune.org/fundraiser/6589127 in honor of her legacy of always taking care of her family.

Online condolences and messages to the family are encouraged and may be shared 

at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J. Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service.