Obituary of Ruth R. Skakel

Mrs. Ruth R. Skakel, 91, of County Highway 107, Johnstown, NY died peacefully Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Nathan Littauer Hospital following a brief illness. Born on October 26, 1918 she was the daughter of the late Elmer Hinkle and Katie Edick Hinkle. A lifelong area resident, Ruth graduated from Johnstown High School and became a professional glove maker with the former George Johns, Inc. leather company. A active member of the Foot Hills United Methodist Church, Ruth worked tirelessly on church activities, especially dinners and fundraisers; and was a member of the adult Sunday school class. She was also a member of the Johnstown Seniors, Rebecca Lodge and enjoyed cooking, baking, and making homemade ice cream. Above all she loved her family and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Ruth was predeceased by her two husbands, Alfred C. Edel and Floyd H. Skakel; and many brothers and sisters. Her family includes her son Richard C. Edel of Johnstown, NY; two step sons, Floyd H. Skakel, Jr. of New Windsor, NY and Jack Skakel of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two grandchildren, Ryan C. Edel and his wife Dixie of Park City, UT and Elizabeth A. Edel of Johnstown, NY; and one great grandson, Conner R. Edel. Ruth is also survived by the family of Floyd and Marie Skakel, consisting of five grandchildren, Brian, James, Kevin, Laurie and Kim; as well as 15 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11 o'clock at the Ehle Funeral Home, 15 North William Street, Johnstown, NY with the Rev. Cynthia VanAllen presiding. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Sandflats, Fonda, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 until 7p.m. Friday, August 6, 2010 at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to the Foot Hills United Methodist Church or The Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizen's Center.