Ruth Wirth

Ruth W. Wirth
Passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Bethany Manor, at the age of 93, following declining health. Born January 7, 1920, in Rockville Centre, NY to John and Wilhelmina Magee, she was preceded in death by her husband, Randell J. Wirth, son, Jerry, and brother, John Magee. She is survived by sons, Lawrence Wirth, of New York City, Richard (Diane) Wirth, of Oceanside, NY, Robert (Wendy) Wirth of Burdett, NY; grandchildren, Amy (Anthony) Bo, of Horseheads, NY, Lori (Erich) Asperschlager of Burdett, NY, Richard Wirth of Oceanside, NY, Emily Wirth, of New York City; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ryan Bo and Juliet Asperschlager; and a sister, Winona Magee of Kingman, AZ. Wherever Ruth lived, she was involved in the activities she loved. She was a member of the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Rockville Centre for over 70 years. She sang in the choir and belonged to the United Methodist Women. After retiring in 1987 from a New York City engineering firm where she was a secretary, she joined several Long Island senior centers, including those in Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Long Beach, and Island Park. She was both a hospital and senior center volunteer. Ruth sang with the Freeport Community Chorale, and for many years, was a soloist during concerts and productions of the Fortnightly Club “Music for Fun” group and the Center Stage Players of the Sandel Senior Center in Rockville Centre. When Ruth was singing, all was right with the world. Even as her body declined, she felt powerful and strong when she sang. In 2006, after relocating to Montour Falls, NY, she quickly made friends throughout Schuyler County. She sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, belonged to the Red Hat Divas, Choose 2 Trust group, the Widow’s Club and Bridge Club; was an RSVP volunteer, enjoyed the company of those who dined at OFA’s Silver Spoon Café, and from a bench on the Seneca Lake Pier, she chatted with visitors from around the world. In January 2011, Ruth moved to the Courtyards at Bethany Village. She was amazed that so many wonderful people could all work at the same place. She considered Bethany her home and was appreciative of those who cared for her. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4pm on Sunday, February 17, at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4:00pm; Rev. Beverly Karr-Lyon will officiate. Burial will be at Long Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ruth may make memorial donations to the Schuyler County Office for the Aging (OFA) 323 Owego St, Unit 7, Montour Falls, NY 14865 or the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen, 520 N. Decatur St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may sign a guestbook or “Light a Candle” in her memory at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.