Ruth Benson Bare

Ruth Benson Bare of Hampstead, Md., formerly of Reese, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 at her home.

Born in Arcadia, Baltimore Co. on Sept. 21, 1923, she was the youngest daughter of Charles Joshua and Mary Armacost Benson, who owned and operated the general store in Arcadia at the site of today's Upperco Post Office. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert M. Bare. She was a graduate of Franklin High School, Reisterstown, Md., attended Western Maryland College and completed business courses at Baltimore Business College.

Ruth was employed as Secretary and right-hand-person to the Executive Vice President at the former Harry T. Campbell Sons Co., Towson, and worked for 13 years for the Regional Director of the Farmers Home Administration in Baltimore. She was an active, lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Arcadia, serving on various committees and singing in the choir, and in recent years also attended Christ Lutheran Church in Trenton.

Ruth was a member of the Carroll Hospital Center Auxiliary and volunteered in various departments at the hospital from 1960 to 2004. She was a devoted member of the Westminster Christian Women's Club where she held numerous offices. Ruth was also a longtime member of the Auxiliary of Arcadia Fire Department.

She is predeceased by her eldest sister, Mary Benson Walburn. Surviving is her 100-year-old sister, Doris Benson Lankford, of Pocomoke City, Md. and numerous nephews and nieces, great-nephews and -nieces, and great-great-nephews and -nieces, to whom she was deeply devoted.  She was like a grandmother to generations of children, who were fortunate to know her.

She was very concerned for and considerate of others' needs, freely giving to a multitude of charities. Ruth always made the welfare and happiness of her family, and of countless friends, her very top priority. Together with husband, Bob, she epitomized true Christian giving.

She also enjoyed music, travel, reading, and theater.

A virtual memorial service will be held via Zoom on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Carl Myers of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiating. Those interested in attending the virtual service are asked to please email RuthBareRemembrance@gmail.com for Zoom login instructions. If you'd like to speak briefly during the memorial, please indicate in your email.

Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 15773 Dover Road, Upperco, MD 21155 or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16530 Trenton Church Road, Upperco, MD 21155.

Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, Maryland.