Ruth Haignere Rose, 96, of Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, formerly of Penn Township, passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband of 72 years, Ralph Rose, and their children on Oct. 20.

She was born in Irwin, Ohio, on March 28, 1917, the fifth of eight children of Eugene and Clara (Crandell) Haignere, and spent her first 14 years on their farm.

In many ways Ruth was ahead of her times. She was active in high school athletics and student government at Central High School in Columbus, and went on to earn a B.S. in education from Ohio State University as well as a graduate certificate in nursing in a 5-year program.

She had a varied career in hospital and school nursing as well as nursing education. Everywhere they lived, Ruth was actively involved in her community, working in scouting, charity, civil and women's rights, social and environmental issues. A lifelong Presbyterian, she served her congregations in many positions, eventually becoming the first female deacon and elder in her church. Ruth was optimistic, energetic and intrepid in everything she did.

Her surviving children are Rhea Singsen of Camp Hill, Pa., Roland Rose of Gloversville, N.Y., Douglas Rose of Chesapeake, Va., Sylvia Rose of Rochester, N.Y., and Gayle Pinshaw of Waltham, Mass.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

ROSE — Services and burial for Ruth Haignere Rose, who died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, will be private.Contributions may be made in her memory to the Ruth Haignere Rose Student Nurse Scholarship Fund. Please make them payable to OSU Foundation with Fund #606185 in the memo line. Gifts may be sent to: OSU College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, Attn: Pamela Lowe, Director of Development.