MT. UPTON – Ruth Eugenia Odell, 82, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2006 at the Chenango Memorial Residential Care Facility, Norwich.
Ruth was born Feb. 28, 1924 in Utica to Louis and Ruth Wilson Cotter. She moved around as a child living in Oneonta, Sidney, Whitesboro and New Hartford and in the State of Illinois. She married Charles John Odell on June 27, 1942. They were married for 56 years when he passed away.
In June 1942, Ruth graduated from Whitesboro Central School. Four days after graduating, her and Charlie were married. They moved onto the Odell family farm where Ruth became a homemaker. She was a good cook and always made the hired help part of the family. Ruth loved to attend all of the sporting events at the Mt. Upton Central School. She always loved the “kids.” She was always very active and supportive in her community. Ruth was also an active member of the Godfrey Cemetery Association.
Ruth’s greatest passion was history and genealogy. She was a chartered member of the Unadilla Valley Historical Society and held the office of President for several years. She was very proud of the museum that the Unadilla Valley Historical Society started in Mt. Upton. Some of her fondest memories were traveling around in search of family genealogy with her friends. She also had served in the past as the Town of Guilford Historian. She and Charlie loved to travel on bus trips with their close friends Millie and Gerry Baker. Their trips were always filled with plenty of laughter and fun.
Ruth lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease and had to go into a nursing home on Sept. 9, 1999. This cruel disease took so much from her and her family and friends but we will always remember her zest for life.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Tom Teehan; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Barb Odell; granddaughter, Deana and Jeffrey DuFour; grandson, Dion Teehan and Barb Finch; one sister, Rita and James Percival; special friends, Millie Baker and Tammy Shelhammer, John Von Kampen along with several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the C.H. Landers Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Sidney. Interment will be in the Godfrey Cemetery on Friday, June 9 at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 401 Hayes Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.
Arrangements are made under the direction of C.H. Landers, Inc., Sidney.