Obituary of Ruth Van Schaick

Ruth Van Schaick has left us to be reunited with loved ones who have already passed, especially her daughter Beth and her husband George. George and Ruth had been married for 58 years until his death in 2002. They resided most of their life in Rexford, NY in the house that George built.

Ruth was born August 4th,1927 to Elizabeth and Sidney Male of Niskayuna. Her Mom was a landowner, office worker, and homemaker. Her Dad was a farmer, oxen handler, and ran a combination gas station and farm stand in front of the family home in Niskayuna. As a young girl, Ruth sold baked goods, sandwiches, and knit and crocheted items at that stand. Ruth died on Friday, November 10th at Baptist Heath Center in Scotia; she was 95 years old. She was surrounded by family when she passed.  Besides her parents, husband and daughter, Ruth was predeceased by her sister Esther Laudato and brother Aaron Male, great-grandson Brennan Van Schaick and close friend Roland Bluto. Ruth is survived by her sons Paul (Linda) Van Schaick and David (Shirley) VanSchaick from Rexford. She has local grandchildren Tom (Anita) Van Schaick, Jim (Julie) Van Schaick, Amy (Jim O'Connell) Scrivener, Alethea (Jason) Johnston, and Sarah (Matt) Dudek of Southern Shores, SC and Jessica (Bryan Bailes) VanSchaick of Las Vegas. She has thirteen great-grandchildren: Maria (Christian) Ostergaard; Mitchell (Kassie) Van Schaick; Garett (Bree Cogan) Van Schaick; Victoria Brice; Madison Odom; Jarred Odom; Sydney Odom; Primus Odom; Lilian Scrivener; Ian Dudek; James Dudek; Cooper Johnston; Quinn Johnston; and 3 great-great grandsons: Lane Van Schaick, Weston Van Schaick, Kacey Van Schaick

During World War Two, Ruth graduated from Van Antwerp Junior High School. Besides working at the family farm, she worked at Lina Newstead’s store across from the school and enjoyed traveling with friends around Schenectady, going roller skating and to the movies. As an adult, she worked as a cashier at Thriftway Market and salesperson at Veeder and Yelverton Pharmacy in Burnt Hills. She hosted a large family Thanksgiving dinner at her home for many years, with all the fixings including a selection from at least six different homemade pies. Each Christmas, Ruth made a large assortment of cookies and candies, and created plates of these goodies to share with family and friends. She enjoyed playing pinocle, square dancing, and family clam steams. She canned tomatoes and preserved foods including jellies, pickled carrots, and hard-boiled eggs. She knitted, tatted, and crocheted bunny baskets, tablecloths, doilies, and baby sets. She was a woman with many talents.

Ruth was a giving woman. For 50+ years, she has been a member of the Rexford Fire Department Auxiliary, serving in several offices. She participated in almost every Rexford Auxiliary Craft Sale with her daughter Beth. She also participated in the Stevens Elementary holiday sale for students, selling her crafts at reduced prices so they would have gifts for their family members. She was proud to have been there for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was a key caregiver for many of her family as they aged and needed assistance. This included her mother, her Aunt Jennie and Uncle Scotty, and her husband. Eventually, she earned her rest and care was provided for her.

Calling hours will be held for family and friends Tuesday, November 15th from 6pm to 8pm at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 16th, 10:00am at Glenville Funeral Home with Pastor Deron Milleville officiating. Ruth’s “parade” to Memory Gardens for burial will take place following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth’s Family has requested donations in her memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the City Mission, PO Box 760 Schenectady, NY 12301.