Obituary of Ruth S. Ouderkirk

Mrs. Ruth S. Ouderkirk, 91, of West Grand Street, Palatine Bridge, New York, died, Saturday evening, November 27, 2010 at her home with her family. She was born April 21, 1919 in the Town of Palatine, the daughter of Earl Shults and Blanche Gray Shults. Mrs. Ouderkirk had been a lifetime area resident. Mrs. Ouderkirk was a former employee at Beech-Nut Packing Co. in Canajoharie. She was a Postal Clerk in Palatine Bridge, St. Johnsville, Fort Plain for 25 years, retiring in 1983. She also assisted her husband, Ralph Ouderkirk at several NASCAR Race Tracks. Mrs. Ouderkirk was an original Stock Holder and employee of Lock Stock and Barrel Sporting Supply, Inc. of Palatine Bridge. Ruth was a communicant and former Sunday School Teacher of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church. She was a 62 year member and past president of the Palatine Bridge Literary Society. Mrs. Ouderkirk was also a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of America. She was a member and past Treasurer of the Canajoharie Forest Fish & Game Club for many years. She was also a Palatine Bridge Cub Scouts Leader for several years. Ruth was an avid bowler at Iroquois Lanes in Canajoharie until she was 90 and a member of the Women's International Bowling Association. She was an avid card player, playing both Pinochle and Bridge. On February 10, 1962 in Connecticut, Ruth was married to Ralph E. Ouderkirk, Jr. Ralph preceded her in death on April 25, 2000. Mrs. Ouderkirk is survived by her son, Gary E. Shineman and his companion, Meri-K Chase of Palatine Bridge, NY; step-daughter, Patricia O. March of San Juan Capistrano, CA; granddaughters, Carrie Shineman of Palatine Bridge, NY, Amy Shineman of Savannah, GA; grandson, Christopher J. Shineman of Palatine Bridge, NY; step-grandsons, Todd J. Compani of Amsterdam, NY, Jeffrey B. Compangano of Orange, CA; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Anna, Marcus, Jayden, Miles, Owen; and her good friend, Tom Logan and his dog, Blackie.