Ruth Sims

Ruth (Smith) Sims of Lakeland, Florida; passed away on August 3, 2024, having spent her last days with her loving children and treasured friends and family. Ruth was born on November 4, 1940, in New Germany, Pennsylvania; daughter of Thomas and Cecelia (Shero) Smith.

Ruth settled in Alexandria, Virginia. She was a much-loved and respected special education teacher, and always brought her boundless intelligence, empathy, and patience to the classroom. Ruth married the late David Lee Sims (US Army) in 1979 and her life as an Army wife took her to Italy, Virginia, Indiana, New York, New Jersey and Florida, where she and David settled in retirement. She delighted in spending time with her family and loved being a grandmother. She also enjoyed her friends and her “Ladies’ Lunches” were the highlight of her week. Her children will treasure memories of their mother’s laugh and her stories about growing up in New Germany, which are well-loved and will continue to be told in the family. 

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Arista (Michael) Kiffney of Vienna, Virginia; her son, Nicholas (Stephanie) Sims of Lakeland, Florida; five grandchildren, Sydney, Thomas, Matthew, Christalina, and Alayah; siblings, Donald, Jean, Kenneth, Raymond, Sharon, and Annette; and many friends and extended family.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, David; her daughter, Meredith; and sister, Irma. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday September 7, 2024, at St. Marys Cemetery, New Germany. 

Local arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Ruth’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Online at www.stjude.org/give