Ruth Ellen Wheatley (Hastings) of Seaford passed away on Aug. 17, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Ruth was born on Nov. 23, 1932 in Bridgeville, the daughter of Norman and Ethel (Wallace) Hastings.
Ruth attended Seaford High School. Ruth married on Aug. 25, 1950 to Raymond Wheatley, a loving covenant that lasted 63 years. Together, they created a family of three children, eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Prior to Raymond’s passing on Jan. 15, 2014, they enjoyed spending time with family, attending their grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, and hosting meals for loved ones in their home.
Ruth worked in the Seaford Middle School cafeteria for 20 years and enjoyed serving the children and staff members. Outside of work and during retirement, Ruth took pleasure in quality time with family, caretaking for her grandchildren/great-grandchildren, cheering on the Orioles and Ravens, and playing the slots.
Ruth will be remembered as a loving and dedicated mother/grandmother by her surviving family members. Those cherishing Ruth’s memory are Ruth and Raymond’s children, Janice Toulson (Rich), Tommy Wheatley (Linda), and Julie Hanenfeld (John); grandchildren, Amie Toulson-Phulesar (Andre), Bryan Toulson, Ashlea Toulson, Nick Wheatley, Matt Wheatley, Olivia Evans, Nathan Hanenfeld, and Sophie Hanenfeld; and sisters, Norma Lee Kelley, Doris Long, and Emma Messick.
Preceding Ruth in death are spouse, Raymond Wheatley; parents, Norman and Ethel Hastings; brother, Frank Hastings; and sisters, Geneva Johnson and Helen Hastings.
Funeral Services will take place on Friday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. with a public viewing from noon to 1 p.m. at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N Shipley Street, Seaford. Interment will take place a Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Seaford.