Ruth A. Callahan

Ruth A. Callahan, 59, of Milford passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at home with the company of her family and pets by her side. Born November 10, 1951 in New City, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Arlene Gessel. She was a graduate of Clarkstown High School in New City, NY.

In 1976 Ruth moved to Milford and worked as a home health aide for many years. She enjoyed arts and crafts and became a renowned local artist. Many of her works can be found on display across the surrounding counties in homes and businesses. Ruth could often be found in her numerous flower and vegetable gardens. Ruth loved and had a special fondness for animals especially horses. Over the years she has cared for many animals large and small. She was an avid equestrian and enjoyed riding and showing her horses at local horse shows. She was an active member of the Leatherstocking Riding Club and always looked forward to riding through the local state lands. Ruth was known for taking the time to stop and visit with friends, smell the flowers and pet the animals. It was truly these simply things that she enjoyed the most and made her a special person.

She is survived by the love of her life, Dale R. Couse; her son, Shawn Callahan and his fiancée Regina McGuinness of Oneonta and their children, Tommy and Amber Talbot; her sister, Barbara Johnstone and her husband, William of Solon, Maine; two brothers, Roger Gessel and wife, Christine of Valley Cottage, NY and Charles Gessel and wife, Karen of Montgomery, NY, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta on Saturday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, 2:00 PM with Reverend Stephen Fournier officiating. Burial will follow in the Milford Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. To send an online condolence please visit, www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.