Obituary of Ruth Basuk

Ruth Basuk, 81, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born June 17, 1927 in New York City, the daughter of Ralph Berger and Anna Berger Friedman, and step-father, Solomon Friedman. Ruth graduated with honors from Hunter College in New York City. Prior to moving to Gloversville in 1952, Ruth was an actuary with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Above all, Ruth treasured the time that she spent with her family. She took great pleasure in the educational accomplishments of her children and those other children whom she had the privilege to tutor in their schoolwork. In addition, Ruth was a mathematics instructor at the Fulton-Montgomery Community College. Ruth devoted her adult life to a variety of charitable and religious activities that benefited the community of Gloversville, donating her time and talents to many local organizations. She served on the Board of Education in Gloversville, was a board member of the K'nesseth Israel Synagogue and Jewish Community Center, and was a member of Hadassah and other community groups. She produced numerous stage plays at the Jewish Community Center and for many years chaired an annual fund-raiser at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for the benefit of the K'nesseth Israel Synagogue. Ruth used what little other time she had to enjoy golf and play bridge. She was a long standing member of the Pine Brook Golf Club. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Benjamin Basuk, whom she married August 1, 1950. Other survivors include three children, Richard Basuk wife Philomena of New York City, Barbara Ship husband Andrew of Rockville, MD and William Basuk of San Diego, CA and two grandchildren, Samantha Basuk and Hannah Ship. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the K'nesseth Israel Synagogue in Gloversville. Rabbi Martin Gordon will officiate. Interment will be at K'nesseth Israel Cemetery in Gloversville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to a charity of one's choosing. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville.