Ruth Marie Barnett, devoted church member
Ruth Marie (Eddy) Barnett, 94, passed peacefully with family by her side Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, following a stroke.
Ruth was born March 23, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Haven and Helen Eddy. A gifted student with a love of learning, she attended her beloved Penn State University, earning a bachelor of arts in German and social studies, followed by a master of science in library science from Drexel Institute of Technology. She dedicated her career to sharing that love as a librarian and educator.
In January 1952, Ruth married Richard “Dick” P. Heisler, with whom she raised three children and a home full of pets. After Dick’s passing, Ruth was blessed to find love again with Theodore “Ted” Barnett, whom she married in December 1991.
Ruth lived a life rich in faith, curiosity, and joy. She believed life was an adventure worth embracing and never stopped finding new ways to learn, explore, laugh, and care for others. She delighted in reading, traveling, boating, golfing, quilting, sewing, knitting, and volunteering during her retirement years. Ruth especially cherished her time in Lewes—its community, its coastline, and its calm. A devoted member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Ruth treasured her church family, rang in the bell choir, and used her creative talents to give back to the community. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, adventurous spirit, and her constant pursuit of learning. Her faith, love, and enthusiasm carried her through every chapter—only being called home to heaven could slow her down.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Richard “Dick” Eddy; her first husband, Richard “Dick” Heisler; and her second husband, Theodore “Ted” Barnett.
She is survived by her children, Robert P. Heisler (Colleen), Bruce D. Heisler and Janet H. Diamond; her sister, Jared “Jerry” Pratt; niece, Jessa Williams; nephew, Ian Pratt; her beloved parakeet, Buddy; and her grandchildren, Ryan Heisler (Maeve), Michael Diamond (Kristen), Patrick Heisler, Kasie Chaplick, Amelia Henderson (John), Melissa Nicotra and Meredith Hough; as well as 10 great-grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered by her stepchildren, Andy and Ellen Barnett, Teddy and Alice Barnett, Julie and Michael Lamborn, and Mollie and Chas Kerin; and her grandchildren, Ben Barnett (Kaitlyn), Sam Barnett (Cassie), Allie King (David), TJ Barnett, Justin Lamborn (Meghan), Haley Lamborn, Jodi Lamborn, Amelia Adkins (Lee), Mallory Mackie (Brendan) and Sidney Faust (Logan); along with 12 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Ruth’s family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating her remarkable life. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Second St., Lewes. Interment will follow in the church courtyard columbarium, and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Ruth’s honor to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to shine in the generations she inspired.
Visit Ruth’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
