Gunnery Sergeant, Donald F. “Duck” Ruth, USMC Retired, 81, of Hanover, PA, died Friday, December 7, 2018. Born 25, June 1937 in Hanover, York County, PA. He was the son of the late Robert K. and Anna G. (Hartlaub) Ruth.
He was the husband of Shirley “Shirl” Ann (Mummert) Ruth to whom he was married for fifty-two years. He began his military career in 1956 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in York, PA. He was then assigned to Parris Island, South Carolina for recruit training with PLT 68, 4th Br.
After recruit training, he served at various military installations throughout the United States and foreign countries. He served in Vietnam with 7th Motors. During his career, he earned the following decorations: Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V., Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct with 5 Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (Unite Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifleman and Pistol Sharpshooter.
He retired in August 1975 at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina where he was the Motor Transport Chief for H & S Co, 1st Bn. , 6th Marines. He was a Charter and Life Member of the Boot Marine Det, Marine Corps League where he was also the PayMaster since 1979; and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, also a Member of the American Legion, Post #14, a Life Member of the VFW Post 2506, Hanover Allied Veterans Military Funeral Detail for many years; a member of the National AARP, and a 2nd Marine Division Association Life Member.
Surviving also are a daughter, Terri Ruth Plank of Littlestown, and a son, Donald F. Ruth, Jr. of Hanover, 3 Grandsons, Kristopher Ruth, Scott Ruth, and Petty Officer 2nd Class, Plank, Justin; one brother Fred Ruth of Hanover, PA; four sisters, Rita Ault of Hanover, PA, Pauline McSherry of Glen Rock, PA, Goldie Shultz of Colorado, and Oneida Rohrer of Hanover, PA. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Carroll Bechtel and Robert Ruth, and two sisters, Dorothy Rodenhaber and Helen Bortner. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
The Family suggests memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. The Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.
kenworthyfh.com. Donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516 Tel: 1-877-832-6997 Web: www.
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