Ruth Ann Higgins

Ruth Higgins, 93, of Kent Island, MD, residing in Greenfield Assisted Living in Berryville, VA, died on Saturday, May 10, 2008. She was born to Ruth Ann Kolata to Charles and Louise Kolata on October 28,1914, in Ellendale, DE. She attended secondary school in Kent Island, MD, and graduated from Stevensville School. Following graduation, she attended Towson State College in Baltimore where she received a degree in teaching. Later she continued her education at Salisbury State College, graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts degree. In 1943, she married Harold Bailey Higgins prior to his deployment in the armed forces during World War II. She served as principal and teacher at Stevensville School, teaching all grade levels and later taught elementary school grades, primarily first grade, in Caroline County, and Dorchester County in the town of Hurlock, MD. Other than devotion to her family, teaching young children was her first love and joy, and Ruth pursued her teaching career for over 30 years. Additionally she was an active member of Stevensville United Methodist Church and later, Kent Island United Methodist Church, where among numerous activities she taught Sunday School and headed the Prayer Chain Mission. Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Karl Kolata, and Harry Kolata (June); her daughter, Donna Gayle Higgins; and her husband of more than 60 years, Harold Higgins. Surviving are two sons, Larry Higgins (Gwen Casey-Higgins) of Berryville, VA, and Donald Higgins (Debra Goldstein Higgins) of Norfolk, VA; and three granddaughters, Jessica Higgins of Gaithersburg, MD, and Jennifer Higgins and Rebecca Higgins of Norfolk, VA. Steadfast in her love and devotion to her beloved husband, Harold Higgins, her children and grandchildren, her church, her school children, and her community, Ruth was loved by all who knew and cared for her. She will be missed by all. The Higgins Family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Greenfield of Berryville Assisted Living and Blue Ridge Hospice for their care and support over the last six years. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newman Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, May 19, at Kent Island United Methodist Church, in Chester, MD, with burial on Kent Island at Stevensville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kent Island United Methodist Church, 2739 Cox Neck Road, P.O. Box 308, Chester, MD 21619; or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 Cork Street #405, Winchester, VA 22601

Ruth Ann Higgins

October 28, 1914 - May 10, 2008