Ruth E. Topper

Ruth E. (Crisman) Topper, PGP, 94, passed away at Inners Creek Nursing and Rehab on January 8, 2026. Ruth was born in Edith, Viriginia to parents Leonard and Maude (Johnson) Crisman. She graduated from Edinburg High School and later worked as a telephone operator and nursing assistant.
As an adult, Ruth resided in Carlisle, Hanover, and York, PA, Lewes, DE, and relocated back to York, PA. Everywhere she lived, she was an active member of many organizations, including the VFW (Life Member), American Legion, Elks, Moose, Vikings Association, AARP, Mall Walkers, St. James Seniors Lunch group, Military Share, The Slumbering Groundhog Lodge of York, PA, and possibly others too numerous to recall. Her previous involvement in York included many of the above groups and volunteering with Contact York, which she greatly enjoyed.
While in Delaware, Ruth was a member of the Degree of Pocahontas, the Women's Auxiliary of the Improved Order of Red Men and was a Past Great Pocahontas (PGP). She served in many roles in the organization and belonged to the Anona Council #11, where she maintained her membership and involvement once she moved back to York. While in Delaware, she worked at the polls during elections.
Ruth is survived by her children: Elaine Hecht (Ron Wood) of Georgia, Ellen Doughty (Andrew) of York, and Scott Bruggeman of York; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister, Linda Einsig (William). Additionally, she is survived by one stepson, Richard D. Bruggeman III (Susan), four stepdaughters-Pat Vaughn, Donna Miller, Cathy Long (Harry), and Theresa Snyder (William); and a stepdaughter-in-law, Judi Bruggeman.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two spouses, one stepson and two stepdaughters.
A viewing will be held 10-11am Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Rd. York. A funeral Mass will begin at 11am at the church with Fr. Andrew St. Denis as celebrant. Burial will follow at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. The service will also be livestreamed via the church's YouTube and Facebook pages.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Stamps for the Wounded, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, York, and the Alzheimer's Foundation in Ruth's memory.
John W. Keffer Funeral Home, Inc. East is helping with funeral arrangements.