IN MEMORIAM: Ruth Anne Pushkar, 84;
Worked For Oneonta School District
ONEONTA – Ruth Anne Pushkar, 84, who, along with her husband, was active with the Oneonta School District, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016 at AO Fox Hospital Nursing Home in Oneonta.
She was born on Nov. 16, 1931 in Larksville, Pa. the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Borkowski) Gieda. She married Edward S. Pushkar on August 29, 1953 in Plymouth, Pa. He predeceased her on March 3, 1987.
Growing up in Plymouth, PA, Ruth graduated in 1949 from Larksville High School. She worked at Gieda’s Café, a restaurant owned by her family, as well as Isaac Long’s Department store in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Several years after high school, Ruth met and later married her husband. They eventually moved to Mohawk, NY where Edward was offered a teaching position. In 1956 they moved to Oneonta where Edward worked as a History teacher and coached the OHS Varsity Football Team. Ruth was employed for over 40 years as a Payroll Officer for the Oneonta City School District. Retiring in 1987, she returned to work for a short time after her husband’s death.
When their children were young, Ruth and Edward enjoyed traveling up and down the East Coast camping. Purchasing their camp on Goodyear Lake in 1971, they were a fixture of the community there. Ruth was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it.
She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the Oneonta Elks BPOE #1312, and the Oneonta Business Women’s Club.
She is survived by her daughter, Anne M. and William McCanty of Gilbertsville, Pa.; her son, Stephen E. Pushkar of Oneonta; her grandchildren, Daniel E. and Lindsey McCanty of Massachusetts, Patrick W. and Jennifer McCanty of New Jersey, and Taylor J. Pushkar of Oneonta; a great granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie McCanty; her sister, Betty Petras of New Jersey, and Theresa Gieda of Pa.; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was also predeceased by 2 sisters, Helen Yamrus and Marie Prego; and 3 brothers Chester, Joseph and John Gieda.
Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 16, from 5 at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 17 in St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating.
Interment will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
Donations are asked to be made in Ruth’s memory to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website:www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
