November 25, 1936 – April 17, 2024
Stone Ridge – Ruth Anna Decker was born in 1936 in Saugerties, NY, to her loving parents Anna and Louis Reynolds, and passed away on Wednesday April 17th, 2024, at the age of 87.
After graduating from Saugerties High School, Ruth started her first job as a Secretary at IBM, kickstarting a successful 15-year career and ultimately being promoted to Department Manager, Laboratory Office Services, Systems Development Division. Ruth was a trailblazer and was one of the first female managers at IBM in the 60s. She left IBM in 1972 to focus on her favorite job of all – being the best Mom on the planet.
While working for IBM, Ruth met the love of her life, John, and moved to Stone Ridge, NY. Together, they created a love story for the ages and raised five children, Megan Foster (Gregg) of The Villages, FL, Bruce Decker (Marcy) of Lisbon, ME, Kimberley Sylvester (Don) of Catskill, NY, Jill Dixon (Phil) of Southborough, MA, and Stephanie Brazil (Scott) of Marshall, NC.
Life was busy, but never too busy for Ruth to love fiercely, led by example, and be there for everyone. She attended each sporting event, concert, school “art” display, book fair, and wore allllll of the noodle necklaces. She volunteered for everything and had a smile for everyone. Always.
While raising her family, Ruth began her 30-year career as a Court Clerk in the Marbletown Justice Court, consistently ranking at the top of her peer group and receiving countless accolades from judges and attorneys countywide. She retired in 2008 at the age of 72, to enjoy retirement with John in New Paltz, NY. Ruth excelled in every job she ever held because she committed to a life of service and genuinely cared about humanity. She was one in a million and the world is a better place because of her.
Ruth was so incredibly proud of her grandchildren, Christopher, Lisa, Nathan (Hope), Blake, Samara, Ty, Jemma, Eila, Aly, Aviey, and Grady, and her great grandchildren, Emily, Alexander and Madison. They brought more joy to her life than they will ever fully understand. Grandma loved all of you immensely.
Ruth is predeceased by her sister and best friend, Joan Hillje (Jack) of Saugerties, and her parents Anna and Louis Reynolds.
Ruth is survived by her husband, John, five children, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and dozens of nieces, nephews, godchildren, great nieces, great nephews and countless friends. She was loved and will be missed beyond measure.
If you knew Ruth, you loved her, and she loved you right back. She enjoyed bowling in a league until it became abundantly clear that her children were being turned out like farm animals by John when she left the driveway. Thus ended her quest to be a PBA champ. Once the kids were a bit older and more resilient, Ruth ventured out again to play Bingo with her sister, Joan, and loved each second, they were together, whether they hit the jackpot or not. You never saw Ruth without her lipstick, ever. She believed you weren’t ready to go out until lipstick was applied, and reapplied, and blotted.
Ruth was always happy, ready to listen, give you a big hug, and feed you. Her giggle was infectious and typically happened when someone was saying or doing something she found highly inappropriate. She had more patience than a saint and would strike hilariously quick-witted one-liners whenever John and her kids would give her a second of airtime. She loved giving gifts and loved to spoil absolutely everyone in her life at Christmas, birthdays and every holiday in between. She never missed one and made sure each celebration was bigger and more fun than the last. Her heart was enormous and anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ruth is a better version of themselves because of her.
The family will hold a celebration of Ruth’s beautiful life once we have had time to reflect on how blessed we were to have her as the center of our world and heal. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the New Paltz Rescue Squad, or the charity of your choice, throw on some bright pink lipstick, and practice random acts of kindness in Ruth’s honor.
