Ruth Elizabeth Witmer Ruth Witmer, of Ontario NY, passed away on February 21st after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late November. Ruth was born in Bellefonte, PA on March 5, 1954 to Mel and Barbara (Wohnsiedler) Witmer, the second of their 4 children, and raised in Henrietta, NY. Ruth was flanked in age by two sisters who were boisterous tomboys, while she was the shy "girlie girl" who cared for her sisters' Christmas dolls after they lost interest in them. Ruth's compassion for abandoned creatures led her to a life-long devotion to caring for cats who needed a good home. Fortunately, her husband of 41 years, Larry Palzer, supported these "family members" and became close to many of them. Ruth graduated from Rush-Henrietta High School and attended Susquehanna University and Bryant & Stratton College. She worked for 30 years for the Adult Services Division of the State of NY, an agency that oversaw nursing homes in the area. In her spare time, Ruth was an avid reader and collector of Mary Hoyer dolls. She sewed clothing for her nieces' dolls and was a loving Aunt to her many nieces and nephews in both the Witmer and Palzer families. In addition to her husband and cat Billy, Ruth is survived by her parents, her sisters Deanna Fisher (Roger) and Theresa Witmer (Carol Strome), and her brother Larry Witmer (Patty). Ruth and Larry and their families were very appreciative of the excellent hospice care provided by the "angels" at Pines of Peace. Those who would like to remember Ruth with a memorial gift may contribute to that organization (2378 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519), to Lollypop Farm (Humane Society), 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450, or to the Farm Sanctuary, PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. In keeping with Ruth's wishes, her graveside service will be a private one.  To leave a condolence, light a candle, or upload  a photo please visit the tribute wall on Ruth's obituary at www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

Humane Society at Lollypop Farm
99 Victor Rd., Fairport NY 14450
Web: http://www.lollypop.org

Pines of Peace
2378 Ridge Road, Ontario NY 14519
Web: https://pinesofpeace.org/

Farm Sanctuary
PO Box 150, Watkins Glen NY 14891
Web: https://www.farmsanctuary.org/