Ruth L. Mager

Ruth Leslie Mager, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16,

2026, at the age of 87.

Born on January 20, 1939, in Iowa, Ruth was one of eleven children. She graduated

from Greenville-Rossie High School in 1957, where she was known for her talent on the

basketball court and earned recognition as a Free Throw Champion. Her love of the

game and competitive spirit became a cherished legacy that she proudly passed on to

her grandchildren.

After high school, Ruth joined the United States Army and became part of the Women's

Army Corps (WAC), serving as a medical assistant during a historic period for women in

military service. It was during her time in the Army that she met the love of her life,

Elmer Mager, Jr. The two were married in Germany on April 28, 1960 and shared a

devoted life together until his passing in 1969.

Ruth retired in 1997 where she faithfully served at the United States Army Department

of Defense at Edgewood Arsenal.

Ruth was a devoted mother to Deborah Petrovic of Bel Air, Maryland; Linda Mager of

Belcamp, Maryland; and the late Richard Mager who passed away in 2021.

She is survived by her brother, Ellis "Butch" McDanel of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and

her sister, Cherish Carlson of Clayton, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by

her siblings Anita Chartow, Joan Christianson, Jean Neave, Mary Lisiecki, Vera Estes,

Laurence "Larry" McDanel, William "Bill" McDanel, and her beloved twin, Rolty

McDanel.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, D. Kyle Edwards, Ashley Mager,

David Whitaker, R. Reid Edwards, Danielle Paull, James Mager, and Galen Mager; as

well as seven great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was fortunate to spend

time with.

Ruth was the heart of her family and its steadfast matriarch. Strong-willed, fiercely

independent, and endlessly devoted, she held those she loved close and never

hesitated to put family first. She found her greatest joy in the accomplishments and

happiness of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christmas was one

of Ruth's favorite times of the year, and she and her grandchildren spent many holiday

seasons baking homemade molasses cookies together, creating cherished memories

and a family tradition that will live on for generations to come. Her strength, wisdom,

humor, and unconditional love will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

The family would like to thank the staff of Amazing Grace at Broadway, Bel Air for the

exceptional care, dignity, and compassion shown to Ruth throughout her final journey.

Family and friends will be received at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 409

Paradise Road North, Havre de Grace, Maryland, on Saturday August 29, 2026,

visitation from 10:00am - 11:00am, at which time the funeral service will begin.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesleyan Chapel, (Grace

Place written in the memo).