Ruth Eva Roy

Ruth Eva (Deck) Roy, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with her loving husband whilst listening to her husband recite their wedding vows to her. Born in a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch household to the late Clarence "Red" and Bertha Mae (Sherman) Deck. From a young age she knew there was no ceiling she could not break through. "It is merely a state of mind, my dear" was the mantra she chose to live by.

On May 19,1990, on the front porch of their Mount Gretna home, Ruth and her beloved husband Thomas H. "Tom" Roy were united as one. For the next 36 years they went through life with one another by their side and took on all and any challenges together. Ruth was a first-generation college graduate. Her traditional upbringing didn't stop her from reaching her goals. It was then she earned her bachelor's and master's degree from Millersville University before attending Temple University and where she took over 60 plus doctoral classes where she obtained her A.B.D. Her education and dedication to help others led her to become a small business owner. Wellcat Herbs and Holidays, based out of Lebanon, was started from her passion for natural remedies and holistic medicine. She and Tom created 90 quirky holidays and were featured in international print and broadcast media on five continents.

She was well known at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair for her apothecary storefront for nearly 30 years. She frequently traveled to the Fairy Festival at Spoutwood Farm in Glenn Rock, Pennsylvania. Her love of herbs, gardening, and sharing remedies through her herb classes with others led her to cross paths with thousands in her journey of life. She was also an avid member of the Lebanon Historical Society.

Ruth was an exquisite actor who earned the opportunity to travel up and down the East Coast, performing at dinner theaters and festivals all over the country. In addition to her acting and passion for holistic medicine, she found time to do some of the simpler things in life. Ruth had a deep love for the outdoors and spending time in her garden. Being one with nature led her to great joy. Crows feet and mouth wrinkles appeared at an early age due to her constant smile and joyful attitude. She was a woman who was articulate with words and when speaking those around her listened intensely. Tom says she always had a voice of Lauren Bacall or Bea Arthur, even though she was only 5 feet tall. Her memory of beautiful gardens trickled over into her carefully crafted watercolor paintings.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Tom, is a son, Michael T. Roy and his long-term companion, Madeline Domalakes, Tom's daughters, Melissa Roy Monti wife of Pete Funke, Jill Roy wife of Vance Hill, four grandsons, Jason, Justin, Nico and Theo. Also surviving are numerous extended family, along with her two cousins who were more like sisters, Jovita and Jenny.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend an informal gathering of family and friends at Snyder Bean Funeral Home & Crematory, 890 Isabel Drive, Lebanon PA 17042, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 PM with a time of sharing from the immediate family at 3:30 PM. Ruth welcomed everyone with open arms and the family encourages you to come as you are, and even incorporating Ruth's favorite color teal in their wardrobe if one wishes. In Ruth's memory the family asks that you pass along a propagated plant, flower or even seedlings in Ruth's memory to continue to let her love grow.