Ruth Hale Wales passed away July 23, 2015 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. She was born August 16, 1924 in Nottoway, VA to the late C.W. and Ruth Hale. She was affectionately known to her family as "Babe." Following graduation from Blackstone Women's College and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA Ruth moved to the Washington DC area. In 1947 she married Robert Wales and they raised their family in Colesville, MD before moving to Middletown, MD. A lifelong learner, she returned to graduate school and received a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Maryland as well as a second Master's Degree in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. She was the Head Librarian at Howard Community College for many years. Ruth devoted much of her time to serving the Frederick community and her church. She was a founding member of the Frederick Habitat for Humanity and served as their treasurer for many years. She was awarded the Governor's Unsung Hero Volunteer Award in 2002 for her work with Habitat for Humanity. Ruth was an active member of Frederick Presbyterian Church and participated in many activities at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ. She also volunteered her time with the Frederick County chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Ruth had a spirit of adventure and curiosity to see the world that was evident throughout her entire 91 years of life. Some of her more recent travel destinations included Greece, Turkey, the Arctic Circle, Ireland, Panama Canal, England, and many US National Parks. An avid hiker, Ruth hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland and was a member of a Frederick Rec Council Hiking Group. She also enjoyed flying over Frederick County in a small plane with her grandson Pete piloting. She practiced yoga three times a week at Mountain Spirit Yoga in Middletown. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert Wales, children Steve (Charlotte) Wales of Great Falls, VA, Judy (Randy) Peterson of Millsboro, DE, Carol (Jim) Branscome of Kensington. She is survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily, Matt, Nicholas, Julia and Joseph Petito; Pete & Kristin Marshall, Alex and Victoria Adams; Meg Peterson; Pamela Wales; Phillip Wales; Kim, Amber & Jacob Marshall. She is also survived by her adoring nieces and nephews who loved "Aunt Babe." She will be remembered by many close friends, including her dear friend Ann Niblock. She was preceded in death by her grandson Dan Marshall and sister Jacqueline Cavey. Services will be held Thursday, July 30th at 11AM at Frederick Presbyterian Church, 115 West 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701. There will be visitation with the family and a light reception immediately following in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ruth's memory to Frederick Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 115 West 2nd St, Frederick, MD 21701 or Habitat for Humanity Frederick County, 2 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701.
