Gwynethe Ruhl Sanders

Gwynethe spent her early years in Takoma Park, Maryland, before moving with her parents to Colesville, where she lived for most of her life. Surrounded by many cousins, her childhood was filled with family, dancing, swimming, camping trips, and a lifelong love of Dalmatians. As a child, she spent countless weekends camping with her parents and through the Brownies and Girl Scouts organizations that would remain a meaningful part of her life.

She took ballet lessons from Hortensia Fonseca as a child and teenager and developed an appreciation for movement and rhythm that carried into her lifelong love of physical education. A 1963 graduate of Sherwood High School, Gwynethe proudly served as a majorette during her high school years—a role she continued at Frostburg State University, where she also played on the women’s volleyball team and earned a double Bachelor’s degree in K–12 Health and Physical Education in 1967. She later completed her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1971.

As a young teacher, Gwynethe’s dedication to her profession was recognized through travel grant awards from Montgomery County Public Schools, which allowed her to attend physical education conventions in St. Louis and Boston.

Gwynethe began her career teaching physical education in several school districts before becoming a full-time mother—a role she cherished deeply. She was an active volunteer and community supporter, judging for the Robin Hood swim and dive teams

and spending countless hours at soccer fields, softball games, and horse barns supporting her children’s activities. She was also a dedicated member of the PTA and PTSA at Westover and Charles R. Drew Elementary Schools, Francis Scott Key Middle

School, and Paint Branch High School.

A lifelong Girl Scout, Gwynethe eventually became a troop leader for both her daughters and spent many summers at Brighton Woods Day Camp at Tridelphia Lake with all three of her children and later her grandchildren as well. There, she taught Girl

Scouts outdoor cooking, tie-dying over an open fire, and other outdoor skills, helping campers earn a variety of badges. She continued to lead the camp’s tie-dye group well into her 70s.

When she returned to education, Gwynethe began as a substitute at Stephen Knolls School for students with disabilities before finding her “forever home” at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Maryland, as a special education paraeducator. She became an integral part of the school community, contributing to countless programs and events.

At Paint Branch, she volunteered for prom and after-prom activities, managed football tickets, kept score for basketball games, and even coached poms and girls’ field hockey. She supported the Best Buddies program and participated in the Readers Make Leaders initiative for over a decade—nurturing a love of reading that she shared with her daughter Tammy through frequent book discussions and exchanges.

Gwynethe also discovered a passion for baking pastries in the school’s Panther Paw Café and was known for gifting her family, coworkers, and friends with her signature crocheted kitchen towels for every season—and her collection of fun, colorful “crazy socks” that celebrated every holiday and occasion.

Later in life, Gwynethe enjoyed volunteering at various Maryland wineries during their open houses, where she delighted in meeting new people and sampling local wines. In retirement, she treasured her lunches with the Paint Branch Farms neighborhood ladies

and her fellow PBHS retiree group, and she found great joy relaxing on her deck with Brian’s trusty Doberman, Dusty, by her side.

A proud alumna, she remained an active member of the Sherwood High School reunion committee for many years, helping to organize gatherings and keep lifelong friendships alive.

She is survived by her loving children Tammy (Michael), Brian, and Susan (Travis); and her three beloved grandchildren, Alyssa, James, and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Verona Ruhl; her sister, Denise; and her infant son, Andrew.

A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Gwynethe’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Serenity Room, located at 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to Girl Scout Council Nation's Capital, Camp Brighton Woods by visiting www.gscnc.org