Ruth Laura Gardner Neuman

1929 - August 26, 2026 Ruth Laura Gardner Neuman was born in 1929 and raised on an orchard farm outside of Indianapolis during the Great Depression—a backdrop that deeply shaped her values. Her life was a beautiful example of simplicity, reminding us that less can truly be more. She lived modestly and found her greatest wealth in relationships and service to others. Ruth graduated from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, in 1951 with a degree in religious education. It was there she met and married the love of her life, Jim Neuman. Together, they embarked on a life of ministry—beginning in the farming community of Dwight, Illinois, where Jim served as a pastor. In 1957, they transitioned to the big city of Chicago, where they raised their three daughters while serving at Humboldt Park United Methodist Church for over two decades. Though not ordained, Ruth ministered in every sense of the word. In home and at church, she created a haven for anyone who needed a home-cooked meal and a sympathetic ear. She led Friday night programs for neighborhood children, tutored adults, and was an active leader in the PTA. Through her work with the Northwest Community Organization, she was instrumental in the founding of Roberto Clemente High School, successfully petitioning powerful Chicago politicians. This theme of fighting for social justice was central to her life. Reflecting on her move from a rural upbringing to an urban neighborhood, Ruth said, “I cried when we moved to Humboldt Park—there was no yard, and we were going to live in an apartment, and I cried again when we left.” Ruth and Jim moved to Evanston, Illinois, in 1979, where they served at Hemenway United Methodist Church for nine years. After Jim’s passing in 1988, Ruth remained a devoted member of Hemenway until 2007, continuing her service by volunteering with Soup at Six, a weekly program feeding the hungry. From 1989 to 2004, Ruth worked as a receptionist at St. Francis Behavioral Health. Her kind and calming presence was noticed. Coworkers commented, “After clients talk to Ruth, therapists don’t need to do anything.” Ruth’s final move took her to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to be physically close to her youngest grandchildren. She was an active member of Covenant United Methodist Church and volunteered with Mornings on Orange Street (MOOS), a weekday enrichment and childcare program. After moving to Homestead Village, she began worshipping at the nearby Church of the Apostles UCC. During her four years at Homestead Village, she built a loving community with residents and staff alike. Throughout life’s journey, she formed friendships rooted in acceptance, compassion, and shared joy. Ruth held family closest to her heart. She found deep pleasure in moments shared with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their loved ones - especially during annual camping trips to scenic national parks. She delighted in the natural world, and her joy awakened others to its splendor. Around the campfire, she shared stories, sang songs, and practiced her greatest gift—the art of listening. When asked what she was most proud of, Ruth simply said, “I’m proud of my children and my grandchildren—and my great-grandchildren too." Ruth lived a full and rich life. Her love of travel included adventures such as snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, whale watching in Alaska, listening to the loons in the Boundary Waters, experiencing an African safari, and spontaneously joining a rural Turkish wedding celebration. Ruth summited several 14,000 ft high Colorado peaks in her 70s, slept in a tent until she was 84, and, surrounded by her grandsons, went boogie boarding at 88. She also loved playing games. Rook was a favorite, and she loved to win, except when facing off with her grandchildren. Ruth was an avid reader and thought TV “ a waste of time.” A gardener through and through, she delighted in growing and sharing produce from her community garden and adding beauty to the world through her flowers. Ruth is survived by her three daughters: Karen Callahan (Tim), Judi Neuman-Lee (Jeff) and Jill (Zach Biles); eight grandchildren: Lori (Nick Kiriazis), Scott, Whitney, Mark (Caitlin Andrews-Lee), David, Kendra (Jordan Diede), Hannah, and Zoe; and seven great-grandchildren: Jacob, Nora, Jamie, Wesley, Addie, Cameron, and Grace; and beloved sisters and brothers-in law, nieces, and nephews. The family is deeply grateful to Hospice and Community Care and Homestead Village for their exceptional and loving care of Ruth. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 am at Covenant UM Church, 110 N. Mulberry St, Lancaster. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church, Homestead Village, Church World Service, or Heifer International. https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time; https://cwslancaster.org/donate/; https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/covlanc: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donations-for-homestead-village-endowment-fund-in-memory-of-ruth-neuman