JEFFERSON - Ruth Moore passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016.

Ruth was born March 30, 1925, to Christian and Mary Schmitt in Brooklyn.

Shortly after her birth, her mother died and Ruth was adopted by Olga Graf who lived in Eminence. She grew up there and graduated from Richmondville Central School.

Ruth married Otis Palmer in 1946. Together they raised three children, Donald, Barbara and Mary, and ran the family farm in East Jefferson. The farm remains in the family under the hands of her son. During this time, Ruth was an "Avon Lady" and was a representative for 45 years. She also trained to become a nurse's aide and began working at Stamford Community Hospital (later Robinson Terrace) in the 1960's. She worked there until her retirement.

Otis died in 1980. Ruth married Cleo Moore in 1988. They lived on Fuller Road where she helped with the restoration of the Fuller District one-room school house then located on Cleo's property. Ruth was instrumental in the gifting of the schoolhouse to the Town of Jefferson and moving it to its current location near the Jefferson Town Hall.

Shortly after Cleo died in 2003, Ruth began living with her children, splitting her time between the homes of her daughter, Barbara, and son, Donald.

Ruth was an active and dedicated member of her community. She was a member and secretary of Summit Grange and she and Otis were members of Eastern Milk Producers. Ruth belonged to the Jefferson Methodist Church, Jefferson United Methodist Women and Jefferson Senior Citizens. She enjoyed taking an active role, whether it was baking pies and brownies for a sale, packing boxes at Christmas or helping at fundraisers and church activities. She provided flowers for the altar at her church for years and was always willing to lend a hand whenever one was needed.

Ruth was an avid gardener and shared her bounty with many. There are flowers in many gardens throughout the county with plants started by Ruth's hands. She loved to square dance, sing along with the radio, bake and bird watch. She was an excellent seamstress and, as a young woman, made many of her own clothes. Ruth loved to cook and host dinners for family and friends especially for birthdays and holidays.

As she slowed down a bit, she liked to work puzzles, read and listen to music. She continued to take a daily mile-long walk well into her 80's. She was a devoted fan of JCS girls sports as her granddaughter, Jillian was growing up, also attending nearly every play, musical and academic event she was involved in.

Ruth is survived by her son, Donald (Sarah); daughter, Barbara (Rod); son-in-law, Dan; grandchildren, Dave, Jeri (Mark) and Jillian; one sister, Louise; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and neighbors.

Ruth was preceded in death by husbands, Otis and Cleo; her daughter, Mary; sisters, Anne, Charlotte and Dorothy; and brothers, George, Eddie, Frank and Bill.

Friends and family are invited to attend visiting hours from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 26, at the Methodist Church in Jefferson. A memorial service will be take place at 11 a.m., Friday, May 27, also at the Jefferson Methodist Church with the Rev. Judy Thistle officiating. A lunch will follow in the church dining hall for those who would like to attend.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson United Methodist Women, P.O. Box 88, Jefferson, NY 12093, or the Jefferson Senior Citizens c/o F. Harris, P.O. Box 252, Jefferson, NY 12093.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hall-Tari Funeral Home, under the direction of William A. Tari.