Ruth Maceluch

Ruth Maceluch, age 103, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on July 18, 2025, in the loving care of her daughter, Sharon. Her remarkable life came to a gentle close in the very place she had called home for over sixty years—Emerson, New Jersey.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ruth was the youngest of five siblings and the last surviving generational matriarch of her family. The daughter of Norwegian immigrants Hans and Barly Hansen, Ruth was raised with strong patriotic values, unwavering faith, and commitment to family.

As a young woman, Ruth served her country during World War II as a civilian employee at Camp Shanks in Orangeburg, New York. She worked in the hospital registrar’s office and rose through the ranks to oversee both civilian and military personnel. After the war, she and her beloved husband Demko Maceluch ran the Pascack Valley Bake Shop on Kinderkamack Road, where Ruth managed the business and became known for producing exceptional baked goods in the region for over 20 years.

She lived a life of service and strength, yet made sure to instill small consistent moments of joy. “Order the desert,” “Buy the dress…” a more profound lesson in enjoying the gift of “today” and accepting the future isn’t promised.

Ruth is survived by her devoted daughter, Sharon Smith of Emerson, who lovingly cared for her mother in her final years with constant comfort, companionship, and Christ-like love. Ruth also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren—Jim Smith, Steven Smith, and Heather Traversi—as well as a large extended family.

In recent weeks, Ruth’s family has walked through profound sorrow, especially with the passing of her beloved, eldest daughter, Pauline Traversi, who preceded her in death weeks earlier.

Ruth was laid to rest at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey, alongside her husband, Demko in a private, family, service of prayer and hymns.

A woman of deep and enduring faith, Ruth believed in the promise of Christ’s return and the resurrection. Her family finds peace in the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Though we grieve her passing, we do not grieve as those without hope.

Ruth’s legacy lives on—in the lives she touched, the prayers she offered, and the quiet, steady love she gave freely to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate her life may make a memorial donation to one of her favorite organizations: ADRA the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, providing relief and development assistance in areas of food insercurity, economic development, health and education in 120 countries.