Unadilla, New York - UNADILLA - Ruth Palen Lord, 93, passed away peacefully at home, in Voorheesville, on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Ruth was born in Kingston, and spent her childhood in Hurley, in her beloved historic family home.

She received her bachelor's degree in education from Potsdam University before moving to Unadilla, to begin her teaching career. There, she received her master's degree in education from SUNY Oneonta.

Ruth met her husband, Sylvester A. Lord Jr., in Unadilla, where they married and raised their family.

After leaving teaching, Ruth served as the tax collector and deputy village clerk for Unadilla for many years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Unadilla, serving in several positions in the church including board member, treasurer, choir director, organist, and lay speaker. She was also active in the Unadilla Community Foundation. Ruth moved to Voorheesville in 2014 to be closer to family.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Sylvester A Lord Jr; parents, Ethel Elmendorf Palen and Claude G. Palen; brothers, Peter (Eglantine) Palen, Willard (Alice) Palen, Norman Palen, and Harold Palen; and sister, Shirley Palen.

Ruth is survived by her children, Ann (Broderick) Walker of Marion, Linda (Michael Abramo) Miller of Kenmore, Laura (Jim) Minnick of Voorheesville, and James (Sara) Lord of Whitney Point; and beloved grandchildren, Broderick and Jeffrey Walker, Gabriel and Naomi Miller, Alexander and Thomas Minnick, and Kyle Bush. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family thanks Community Hospice in Albany and family friends, Patricia Thomas, Leanne Adams, Tricinne Mauzon, and Beth Litz, for all of their support, love and care.

Funeral services will be at Westcott-Madden Funeral Home 123 Main St. Unadilla at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2. The Rev. Ron Wenzinger will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208, communityhospice.org, or the Community Foundation of Unadilla, NY, Inc. P.O. Box 608 Unadilla, NY 13849.

Share condolences at www.wmaddenfh.com.