Ruth L. Hitz, 78, of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. She was the wife of Robert L. Hitz, to whom she was married for 57 years.
Born in Lebanon, she was a daughter of the late Henry C. and Dorothy A. (Wenger) Heagy. Ruth was a 1965 graduate of Annville-Cleona High School and worked alongside her husband as they owned and operated Hitz Farm Market. She was a member of Fontana Chapel, where she was a Sunday school teacher, enjoyed baking, and volunteered in the sewing group at Hebron United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
In addition to her husband Robert, she is survived by her daughters, Rebecca, wife of Tad Barnhart, and Rochell “Shelly” Hitz; grandchildren, Katelyn, wife of Jordan Copenhaver, Caleb Barnhart, Benjamin Barnhart, and wife, Sarah, and Joy Barnhart; great-grandchildren, Trinity Copenhaver, Charity Copenhaver, Liberty Copenhaver, Josiah Copenhaver, Blaire Barnhart, and Mallory Barnhart; sisters, Della, wife of Carl Grubb, Elva, wife of Walt Allen, Thelma, wife of Tom Sidebotham, and Alice “Skeet,” wife of Jay Fittery; and brothers, Glenn Heagy, and wife, Carol, Edward Heagy, and wife, Geraldine, Lynwood Heagy, and wife, Valerie, Nelson Heagy, and wife, Joanne, Luke Heagy, and wife, Carol, and Sam Heagy, and wife, Jean. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, David Heagy.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Fontana Chapel, 22 Fontana Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042. There will be no viewing or visitation prior to the service at the church. A light lunch will be provided following the service in the social hall, where friends and family can visit Ruth’s family. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fontana Chapel in her memory.
