Community Difference Maker

By Alisha Yocum

Ruthie Simmel

Nominated by: Kaitlynn Polen

For nearly four decades, Ruthie Simmel (pictured above) has called Thurmont home. Originally from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Ruthie and her husband moved to Thurmont shortly after they married in 1988. “We knew this would be a much better place to raise our children,” Ruthie said. Her husband had roots in the area—his father once served as pastor at St. John’s in Thurmont—and making the move felt like a return home.

And home it has become. Ruthie has worked at Woodsboro Bank in Thurmont for nearly 30 years, building deep relationships with her clients, many of whom she now considers friends. “I love being able to help them,” she shared. “Whether it’s lending a listening ear, making them smile, or helping them through other challenges—it means the world to me.”

Yet Ruthie’s impact stretches beyond the bank. Each holiday season, she decorates a Christmas tree at work—not with ornaments, but with hats, mittens, gloves, socks, scarves, and even small stuffed toys. As the holidays approach, she distributes these items to Thurmont Elementary and Thurmont Middle School for children in need.

Last year, with the help of her friends at Weis Markets, Ruthie went even further—delivering turkeys, hams, and bags of food to local schools so families could enjoy a full Christmas dinner. “Making someone’s day a little brighter and warmer makes their lives a little better,” she said simply.

Ruthie says her desire to give back stems from the warm welcome she received when she first arrived in Thurmont. “I didn’t know anyone, but the community made us feel at home,” she recalled. “I would hope that if my husband, our children, or our grandchildren ever needed help, someone would be there.”

And that hope drives her to pay it forward, one kind gesture at a time. “I love helping others,” she said. “I love seeing their faces light up. I love getting the hugs.”

If you know of someone who makes a difference in our community, please send your nomination to news@thecatoctinbanner.com.