SOUTH KORTRIGHT - Mary Ruth Wheeler, 86, of Betty Brook Road, South Kortright, passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 26, 2021, at her home following a long illness.

Born on Sept. 16, 1934, in Delhi, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Mary (Swantak) Chapman.

A lifelong resident of the area, Ruth was a 1952 graduate of South Kortright Central School.

On Oct. 12, 1952, she married Jesse E. Wheeler, together they bought the family farm in South Kortright where they raised their five children. Ruth helped Jesse operate the dairy and also worked for a time as a substitute for ONC BOCES. She enjoyed watching Syracuse Orangemen basketball and Home and Garden TV, sewing, baking and mowing her lawn.

Besides her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Jesse Wheeler on Dec. 5, 2016.

Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her children, Chris Wheeler, Kathy Wheeler, David (Patty) Wheeler, Karen (Carl) Schulz and Douglas Wheeler; seven grandchildren, Clinton (Jessica), Christy (Shawn), Kimberly (Ben), Jennifer (Waylon), Robert (Corrin), Jesse (Angie) and Luther (Christy); 17 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Debbie Wheeler; sister-in-law, Joan (Doug) Bush; brother, Francis Chapman; several nieces and nephews, including Peggy Bush and Sharon Knapp; several cousins and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Heart of the Catskills Humane Society or Bloomville EMS.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Share condolences or stories with the family at www.macarthurfh.com.