Ruth M. Thomas

Ruth was born Ruth Eloise Mays on October 18,1954 in Hillsborough, Oregon, the daughter of her late mother Harriet Mays and her father Elmer Mays. Ruth was raised in Oregon and graduated from Lebanon Union High School, in Lebanon, Oregon in 1972. She continued her education at Oregon State University, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1976. Ruth went on to pursue a graduate degree from Penn State University, receiving her Master of Public Administration in 1977.

Ruth then settled in Devon, Pennsylvania, establishing roots and a successful career in healthcare administration. Her career began at Eagleville Hospital in various administrative positions. She went on to leadership roles with the Sisters of Mercy, concluding her career as Chief Operating Officer, serving on the Institute Leadership Team for The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Ruth met her husband Gordon Thomas in (1981), and were united in marriage on March 8, 1986, at Appleford Estate in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Ruth was a guiding light in her family and community and exemplified a life of strong faith and service to others. Ruth was a longtime member of P.E.O Chapter O, a philanthropic, educational organization for women to achieve high aspirations. Ruth was an avid gardener and enjoyed walking, reading, and community activities.

Ruth is preceded in death by her mother, Harriet Mays.

Ruth is survived by her husband Gordon, her son Miles, future daughter-in-law Barrett, her father Elmer, her two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne, Carolyn, Warren, Valerie, nephews Martin Mays, Jesse Mays, and her best friend Jo Williamson.

A celebration of Ruth's life is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at 11am, at Paoli Presbyterian Church. Rites and Internment will be private in the church cemetery following the service. A service will be held in Hillsborough, Oregon at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to attend a reception immediately following the church ceremony, to be held in the reception room of the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the National Brain Tumor Society at braintumor.org/donate, P.E.O. at peointernational.org/makeagift, or Paoli Presbyterian at pushpay.com/g/paolipres