Obituary of Ruth N. Harris

Having "Run the race, fought the good fight, and kept the faith", for 99 years, Ruth Harris passed away peacefully in the arms of Jesus on the morning of October 19, 2001 at her home. She was the last surviving of the twelve children born to Grace Birdsall and Emmons Butler Norris of New Milford, Pa. Ruth was predeceased in 1991 by her husband of 65 years, Neal L. Harris, and in 2001 by two beloved daughters-in-law, Louise and Martha Harris. Her survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Merry Harris and John Perticone, Binghamton; "her boys", R. Dwight Harris, Apalachin, Douglas Harris, Kent and Joann Harris, all of Vestal, Keith and Gina Harris, Brackney, Pa.; sister-in-law Gladys Norris, Vestal; ten grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews. A caring Christian family at Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church and very dear neighbors on Rush Avenue, including Ruth Gardner, Neil and Helen Reigle and Fay Williams. In her final year, Ruth and her family were blessed by the devoted and tender care of Emine Bayram-Williams and Bernice Fabrizio, for which they are very grateful. Ruth's family and her church were her greatest sources and joy and contentment. Of special meaning were the time spent laughing with Christian, listening to her only granddaughter Kathryn play the piano and the regular visits of Brad, his wife Judy and their precious daughters. She supported her husband's work in several small businesses and grocery stores while raising their family. Both Neal and Ruth enjoyed time spent together in their gardens. Ruth graduated from New Milford High School and the Baptist Bible Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. where she trained in Christian mission work. She joined Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church, Binghamton in 1944 and served her Savior and church community in many ways during the next 57 years baking, teaching Sunday School, helping with the Jr. Choir, Bible Study, committee and session work. Ruth was an ordained Deacon and Elder of the Presbyterian church. For years, her vines provided grape juice for Communion Services and her large garden, flowers for the alter. While she never served abroad as a missionary, Ruth fulfilled that role for her family and those she met by living her Christian faith in every day life. That faith, her jolly sense of humor and resilience to adversity are a cherished legacy. The family will welcome friends to a Memorial Service at the Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church, corner of Morris Street and Mitchell Avenue, Binghamton, Saturday, October 27, 2001 at 3 p.m. Christopher Simser and Rev. Ronald Thomas will co-officiate. Entombment will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Tower of Memories at the family's convenience. Ruth had requested that memorial contributions be made to her church. Arrangements are by the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street Binghamton, NY.