SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Ruth Button McGuire passed away peacefully Monday, June 28, 2010, in Chenango Memorial Hospital. She was 95.
Ruth was born Jan. 29, 1915 in New Berlin, the second youngest of six children to Harriet (Bowers) and Silas Button. She grew up on the family farm in Button Hollow and attended South New Berlin schools. Upon graduating she attended Hartwick College. She was employed for several years by Preferred Mutual in New Berlin. Then she worked for many years at Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Morton Norwich until retiring in 1979. On Monday, Aug. 28, 1939, Ruth married John P. McGuire followed by a reception at the Major’s Inn in Gilbertsville. Together they had three children who survive.
Ruth was a kind, dignified lady with a fine sense of humor who was well liked by everyone who knew her. Family was most important in her life, followed by church and friends. She had a close bond with her brothers and sisters throughout their lives and hers. Day to day, Ruth enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, visiting with her brothers and sisters and following sports, especially Syracuse basketball. Most of all Ruth was a loving wife and mother, always supportive and attentive to her children. She was also a wonderful grandmother, never turning down a sleepover, a trip to Arby’s or a backyard bonfire with her grandchildren. She was ever-giving of patience, time and gifts, and ever-happy to let her grandkids explore South New Berlin and the wonders of her beautiful home.
Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband of 32 years, John, in 1971, with whom she is at long last reunited; by her sisters Mary Terk and Gladys Button; her brothers Leslie Button, Owen Button and John Button; and her grandson, James Galbraith.
Also surviving are her daughters, Gail Galbraith Budd (Gary) of Charlotte, N.C. and Linda Sperry of Norwich; her son, J. Philip McGuire (Barbara) of Norwich; her grandchildren, Joseph Galbraith, Jennifer Galbraith, Carolyn Mossa, Elizabeth Salas, Maggie Koterba, Maureen Mirabito, John McGuire and Michael McGuire; her great-grandchildren: Meghan, Anne and Laura Galbraith; Leo and Henry Mossa; Manny, Adrienne, Madeline and Dominic Salas; Ava and Anna Mirabito, and Alex Koterba, along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 2 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in South New Berlin. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with church service following at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in South New Berlin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chenango County or Saint Matthews Episcopal Church in South New Berlin.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.