Ruth May Speice

Ruth May Speice, age 88, of Erie, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026. She was born in Erie on April 7, 1938, daughter of the late George and Florence Robinson Speice.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ruth would like to be remembered for her volunteer efforts, beginning at the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, cataloging a donated book collection; the Erie Hunt and Saddle Club, signing in the riders for each class of competition; fostering for Because You Care and answering the phone for Ruth Thompson when the ANNA Shelter first opened. She was employed as a teacher with the Erie Catholic Diocese Elementary School and then the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center as their first full-time children’s librarian.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara, Mary Jane and Sue; and brother, Robert. She is survived by one brother, Don (Harriet); sister-in-law, Terri; and nieces and nephews.

Private arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Memorial contributions are suggested for a local animal rescue group or Headwaters Park (Headwaters NRC Trust) 1927 Wager Road, Erie, PA 16509, where Ruth and her dogs, Megan, Wesley, Charlee and Lando were often seen or the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.