Ruth F. Saunders

West Winfield, NY

Ruth F. Saunders, 93 of West Winfield passed away peacefully at her home on Friday March 1, 2024.

She was born, Ruth Elizabeth Fellows, on May 9, 1930, in Oneida, NY to Edith and Victor Fellows. In 1956 she married Wendell Saunders in Dexter, NY, a blessed union of 67 years.

She is survived by her two children Cindy Saunders of West Winfield and her partner Donald Thompson, and Dwight (Ike) Saunders and his wife Theresa (Anglin) Saunders of Cazenovia, grandchildren Amber Hammes, Madelaine Saunders, Laura Saunders and Catherine Saunders, her brother-in-law and sister-in law Carlton and Bev Saunders as well as several nieces and nephews and her loyal 17-year-old cat, Smudge. She is predeceased by her husband Wendell, her siblings, Victor, Florence, and Lois, and her grandson Joshua Ball.

Ruth was raised as a minister’s daughter, often relocating throughout her girlhood as her father was called to different congregations. She was the youngest daughter. She received a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University. She was a beloved schoolteacher at Mount Markham for 35 years, where she shaped the minds of her students, predominately first graders. She was a member of the Eastern Star and volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital. She enjoyed daily walks and her hobbies included golf and playing the piano. Ruth taught Weight Watcher classes and took several college courses. Ruth was a lifelong learner.

Ruth was the rock of her family; a hard-working woman who was selfless with anyone she cared for. She always offered a cup of coffee to her visitors and listened more often than she spoke, which made her words feel more important when she chose to use them.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM at the Dimbleby Funeral Homes Inc. 365 West Main St in West Winfield with Pastor Ken McKenzie officiating. Interment will follow in the Unadilla Forks Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the service. The Eastern Star will have a service at 1130 AM

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Luke’s (https://www.mvhealthsystem.org/foundation/ways-to-give/general-giving-form/) MVHS Foundation, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica, NY 13502 or Mount Markham Schools (https://www.mmcsd.org/page/mmcsd-education-foundation) MMCS District Foundation, 500 Fairground Road, West Winfield, NY 13491 to continue Ruth’s legacy of impact.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com