Ruth M. (Sparker) Hurlbert, 80, of Erie, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017, at Millcreek Community Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 18, 1937, in Rochester, N.Y., daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Nichols) Sparker. Ruth completed 45 years of driving a school bus for the Millcreek School District, from 1970 through 2015, without an accident. She received numerous awards, including Millcreek Township Bus Driver of the Year for the school year 2004 - 2005, and in 2008, was recognized for her safe driving record from the State of Pennsylvania. In addition, she was recognized by First Student Transportation with the Outstanding Achievement Award for North America, for her safe driving of over 400,000 miles, which was presented to her by Princess Anne of England, at a ceremony in Scotland. She enjoyed cooking, baking and planning parties, and loved to read. Ruth especially loved her children, grandchildren and the children that were part of her bus route. She also loved animals. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Hurlbert; and sister, Linda Delcamp. She is survived by her daughter, Jan Gowen and her husband, Lester; a son, Steven Hurlbert and his wife, Lisa, all of Erie; grandchildren, Mathew Gowen, Shane and Alexa Hurlbert, and Tony Gowen; sister, Carol Baumet and her husband, Don, of Westfield, N.Y.; her dog, Sophie; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to , 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505, or to the Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, at Greengarden Boulevard. Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.