Ruth Elaine (Harmon) Maker, Funland retiree
Ruth Elaine (Harmon) Maker, 77, of Lewes was born Feb. 9, 1943, to the late Gertrude B. Harmon and William E. Harmon in Lewes. She was the third child born to this union. Ruth departed this life, Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth Elaine, as she was known to family and friends, was raised in Belltown. She received her early education from Nassau Elementary School in Belltown. Ruth Elaine graduated from William C. Jason High School in 1960. After graduating from high school, she was employed as a culinary worker with numerous restaurants, and she retired from Funland Amusement Park in Rehoboth.
Ruth gave her life to Christ while attending Friendship Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. George Edwards. Mom enjoyed her “outings," working in the yard, and especially bonfires. You could find her sitting on her deck in the summers, enjoying seafood and cookouts with family and friends. Mom truly loved listening to her gospel music, and Shirley Caesar’s “No Charge” was one of her favorite songs. She loved dancing with her son Stevie, and singing with her oldest daughter, Debbie.
Ruth was united in marriage to James Palmer Sr., and from that union were born James Palmer Jr. and Deborah Palmer. She was later united in holy matrimony with John H. Maker Jr. (Buck), and from this union were Steven, Sherry, Trudy, Becky, Curtis and Amy.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband John; a daughter Tammy; and two siblings, Joseph Harmon and Danny Harmon.
Ruth will be greatly missed by all. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving children, James Palmer (Joyce) of Dover, Debra Wyatt (Wayne) of Millsboro, Steven Maker (Janet) of Harbeson, Sherry D. Henry of Seaford, Trudy L. Maker (George) of Millsboro, Iona R. Maker of Lewes, Curtis O. Maker of Lewes and Amy L. Collins of Seaford; 30 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Theodore Harmon (Juanita) of Denton, Md., Thomas Harmon of Milton, William Harmon (Joetta) of Georgetown and Calvin Harmon (Kim) of Magnolia; five sisters, Helen Miller (William) of Lewes, Gloria Holland of Bridgeville, Shirley Harrison of Norfolk, Va., Patricia Edwards (Theodore) of Lewes, and Vivian Harmon of Lewes; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend, Barbara Harmon.
Celebration of life service will be held at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, Saturday March 21, at noon. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service. To offer words of comfort and visit our guest book go to www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional service entrusted by Bennie smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
