Obituary of Ruth Lydia Walther

Ruth Lydia Walther, 89, of Manalapan NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Centra State Medical Center. She was constantly surrounded by her loving family who know their presence was felt.  Ruth was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, before moving to Manalapan, NJ, in 1965.  There, she and her loving husband of 40 years raised their family.

Ruth was the daughter of the late Walter Sturrock, Sr. and Emily Herrmann-Sturrock, and sister of Walter Sturrock Jr.  She was the devoted wife to Robert John Walther, whose memory she kept in her heart and in her smile since his passing in 1998.  She was deeply saddened by the recent passing of two beloved sons-in-law, Dennis Halasz and Robert Grace in November of this year.

Ruth’s memory will be carried on by her four daughters, Janet Halasz, Linda Grace, Robyn McCrossin, and Cheryl Hoffmann; 2 sons-in-law Jim McCrossin and Roger Hoffmann, her grandchildren, Christine Gallagher and her husband Justin, Kathleen Halasz, Allison Grace, Timothy Hoffmann, Carly Hoffmann and Luke McCrossin; her sister Rose Young and her husband Gene and other friends and family.  

Ruth was also a sister and mother figure to the many, many babies and children that her mother Emily fostered. She often shared stories of those days, particularly the days when Santa would come to visit. 

Ruth was a dedicated employee of New York University for over 20 years.  Prior to having her children, she was the Veterans Coordinator, a job that she “really loved”.  Years later, she returned to NYU as Assistant Recording Clerk in the Office of the Registrar, where she remained until her retirement in 1995. 

Ruth always had a love for the Jersey shore.  Ruth and Bob loved boating, crabbing and water skiing.  They were also wonderful dancers and the pride of their daughters at weddings and other celebrations. 

Ruth’s love for the ocean never waned and summers would find her and her children, grandchildren, or best friend Marilyn soaking up the sun and surf. The beach was Ruth’s “Happy Place.”

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Gathering on Sunday, December 8th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North with a service beginning at 2:30PM.  To leave a condolence or find directions please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.