Ruth A. Smarz

Ruth A. SmarzFormerly of Newark ValleyRuth A. Smarz, 83, passed peacefully on Dec. 9, 2009 at her home in Waverly, following a period of declining health. Ruth is survived by her two sisters, Betty Foster and Kay Hatch, several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Prudence Drake and Sally Sexton, and by her best friend, Beulah Russell. Ruth was born on Sept. 6, 1926 in Lounsberry, NY, a daughter of the late Terry Olcott and Florence M. (Brott) Russell. She was also preceded in death by her brother Harold W. Russell and her husband Pete Smarz. She graduated from Rome, PA High School and was a long-time employee of Endicott Johnson Shoe Mfg. in Endicott. She was also employed at Morse Chain and Borg Warner in Ithaca. Ruth enjoyed horseback riding, camping and traveling and was an avid bowler. She was a member of the Owego Senior Citizens Club. Her family will receive friends on Friday from 1-2 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. A celebration of her life will follow there at 2 PM. With Pastor Arthur Timmons, Catatonk Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley.