Ruth Mable Wilson

Ruth Mable (Maine) Wilson, 85, of South New Berlin, NY, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, NY. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend, remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and strength.

Ruth was born on January 6, 1940, in Oneonta, NY, the daughter of Alice J. (Cope) Maine and George C. Maine, Sr. One of 14 children, she grew up in a large, loving family with 13 brothers and sisters.

She is predeceased by her sisters Eleanor (Maine) Harbaugh, Linda (Maine) Kent, and Anna V. (Maine) Kinsey, and by her brothers Emmett D. Maine, George C. Maine, Jr., and Arthur R. Maine.

Ruth is survived by her sisters Ida Belle (Maine) Vosburgh of Tucson, AZ, and her brothers John C. Maine of Oneonta, NY; Duane A. Maine of Syracuse, NY; William R. (“Bill”) Maine and his wife Jan Maine of Oneonta, NY; Frederick A. (“Fred”) Maine and his wife Pat Maine of Statesville, NC; Paul K. Maine and his wife Connie Maine of Las Vegas, NV; and David D. Maine and his wife Terry Maine of Albuquerque, NM, along with many nieces and, nephews.

In 1963, Ruth married Ray Lee Wilson. They shared more than 46 years together before his passing on January 28, 2010, at the age of 68. Together they built a home filled with lively discussions, laughter, and firm but steady guidance. Ruth was the devoted mother of her daughter, Brenda Lee (Wilson) Morgan, wife of the late Michael Morgan, and her son, Richard Lee Wilson, and his wife, Sandra Lynn (Van Loon) Wilson of Guilford, CT. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren she loved dearly: Lucas, Samantha, Connor, Jessica, and Angela.

Ruth worked for many years at Unison Industries/GE Aerospace in Norwich, NY, where she did cable assembly for automotive, aerospace, and data communication devices. She took pride in her work and the skill it required, and she brought the same reliability and dedication to her job that she brought to her family life.

At home, Ruth found joy in simple but meaningful things: tending her garden, reading her Bible, playing cards, and making Christmas a magical time for her family. She was known for her laughter, her generosity, her strong faith, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved. She did not suffer fools or foolish behavior and was as straightforward as she was loving—a steady presence and a clear voice of reason.

Ruth was a longtime member of Gilbertsville Baptist Church. Her faith was central to her life, not only in worship but in the way she treated others. Over the years, she took in many children and adults in their time of need, offering a safe place, a meal, a bed, and the encouragement they needed to get back on their feet. Her door—and her heart—were open to those who needed her.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM EST at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. A funeral service will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST at Gilbertsville Baptist Church, located on Commercial Street, Gilbertsville, NY 13776, with Reverend Randy Palada presiding. The funeral procession will leave for Butternut Valley Cemetery (also known as Copes Corners Cemetery), 383 Shaw Brook Road, South New Berlin, NY 13843, immediately following the service, and food and refreshments will be served at Gilbertsville Baptist Church after the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilbertsville Baptist Church, PO Box 352, Gilbertsville, NY 13776-0352 in Ruth’s memory.

Ruth will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Please visit www.bookhoutfh.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.