Ruth Pierce

Ruth was born on February 28, 1919 in Saratoga, N.Y. and grew up in Ballston Spa, N.Y.

She was pre-deceased by her husband William, her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey Scott Pierce and Carol Richter Pierce, her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Schuyler Cornthwaite, and her brother and wife, Harry and Mona Bessel.

She is survived by one son, J. Andrew Pierce and his wife, Dorothy; grand-children Karin Lane (David Bedell), Sarah Van Winkle (Eric), grand-daughter-in-law Alexis Lane (Ryan Lane, deceased), six great-grand-children; Rachel, Lucy, Noelle, Jeffrey, Kaysie, and Walter, and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth graduated from State Teachers College at Oneonta, N.Y., in 1942, which was the first year it became a 4 year college. She taught in public schools for 30 years, mostly as a teacher of first and second grade students in Chenango Bridge Elementary School. She found her calling in teaching, which spanned the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s until she retired in 1980. After retirement, she found herself drawn back to the classroom, volunteering to help children at different grade levels.

She was a very active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Chenango Bridge; over the years she taught Sunday School, and chaired the Hospitality and Evangelism Committees. She was a Lay Reader, Prayer Chain Director, and a member of the Prayer Shawl Guild, and was honored by being named Warden Emeritus for her many years of service to the Church. She was also a member of the Diocesan Stewardship Commission for several years. She will be remembered for her warm and generous spirit and her ready ear to listen to people going through difficult times and was a source of strength and encouragement to all she met.

Ruth loved life; she adored spending time with friends and family, she treasured the children she taught, she loved cooking, helping, gardening, playing Bridge, writing poetry, traveling, and showing Skye Terrier dogs. She also loved eating strawberry ice cream and Peeps, picking blueberries, and making jellies, jams, pickles, and her signature dish, zucchini relish, which she loved to share with others. She cherished her family and loved having them visit and talk about the days gone by. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all for her warmth and compassion and especially her beautiful smile.

Being active in the community was very important to Ruth. She was a member of several Terrier Clubs and was a life member of the Chenango Valley Kennel Club as well as the Monday Afternoon Club and the Civic Club of Binghamton. Dorothy and Andy wish to thank all those who visited her, prayed for her, and gave her comfort in the last years of her life, including Ann Dohanich, Jane Bronson, Bill Black, Father Mark Giroux, Andrea Marcotte, Ingrid Wennerod, the Reverend Dawn-Victoria Mitchell, the nurses of UHS Homecare and Hospice, and especially her angels Cindy and Mary from Angels on Call.

A Service of Celebration for Ruth's Life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Chenango Bridge, NY on December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.with the Reverend Dawn-Victoria Mitchell officiating. Calling hours will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. A reception at the church will follow the service. Please consider a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WmRChase.com for the Pierce family.