Born July 4, 1926 in Alabama, NY, Ruth was the daughter of LaVern and Edith (Brege) Gray. Ruth lived most of life in Alabama, NY. She was known for serving her community and neighbors with friendship, baked goods, and most importantly, love. For many years, Ruth enjoyed helping her husband, Bob with their business, Eick’s Bicycle Barn. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia, NY.
Above all, Ruth’s greatest joy was caring for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She modeled the true meaning of patience, kindness, love, and motherhood.
Ruth is survived by daughters, Elaine (David) Wheatley of Delhi, Diane Phelps of Corfu, and son-in-law Paul Schafer of Tallahassee, FL; 10 grandchildren, Summer (Dan) Forness, Grayden (Brittany) Schafer, Juliane (Paul) Hillis, Christina (David) Rheam, Peter (Kristin) Wheatley, John (Amber) Wheatley, Joanna (Nathan) Hatch, Kyle (Lindsay) Phelps, Carrie Phelps, Lindsey (Ryan) Mating; and 17 great grandchildren along with many other loving friends and family.
Ruth was pre-deceased by husband, Robert in 2017 after 68 years of marriage, daughter Carol Jean Schafer (December 2017), and son in law, Paul Wesley Phelps (August 2015).
Friends may visit during calling hours on Sunday, November 1st from 2-4pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Avenue, Batavia, NY. A private memorial service will be held for Ruth’s immediate family. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing rules will apply to both events. Ruth will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in West Shelby, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial gifts in Ruth’s memory be given to Gateway Home, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY or St Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
