Obituary of Ruth A. Near

Warrensburg/Athol: Ruth A. Near, 87, formerly of Dartmouth Rd., passed away at home, July 20, 2015, following a brief illness. Born September 25, 1927 in Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helena J. (Hogan) Dotter. Ruth attended Nott Terrace High School where she met and later married Willard Near on April 15, 1950. She was a loyal employee of FW Woolworth for many years in both the Mohawk and Northway Malls. After raising their family on Central Ave. in Colonie, Ruth and Willard retired to the former Lee Baker farm in Thurman nearly thirty years ago. An avid bowler, Ruth also enjoyed crocheting, and making Afghans for countless friends throughout the years. Much of her personal collection was highlighted by a large menagerie of colored glass and numerous cardinals of all sorts. Along with her scratch-off games, Ruth loved to partake in senior meals and meetings at the Warrensburg Senior Meal site, the Wednesday McDonald’s group, The Gathering Place, and many casino trips with various seniors groups. Whether known by her affectionate moniker of “Mrs. Trouble” or just “Gram,” Ruth loved to socialize more than anything else. The Warrensburg Elementary School received frequent visits from Ruth, as she continued her involvement with schools after serving in the PTA while a resident of Colonie. She was a member of Over the Edge and Thurman quilter’s groups, the Thurman and Lake George Senior Citizens organizations, 4-H as a leader for ten years, and past chaplain of The Warrensburg VFW. Ruth was also extremely proud to be a long-time friend and communicant of the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg. We will forever remember the smile that Ruth shared with all whom she encountered, often remarking that she considered everyone her friend, her requests of “Ok, gimme hugs”, and her happy thoughts that always started with “Guess what?!” will be sorely missed. In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Willard A. Near as well as her brothers, Paul, Charles, and Robert Dotter. She is survived by her two daughters, Esther McTague and her husband Patrick, of Thurman, and Susan Near Brodowy and her husband, Ted, and son, Gabe, all of Helena, MT; as well as her sister, Patricia Edick of Santa Barbara, CA and her family: Ed and wife Lu, Matt and Suvi, and Kai, of Santa Barbara and Lynn Dennis of Sacramento, CA. She also leaves her loving memory to her grandchildren Michael P. McTague and companion, Ashley, of Kingsbury; Andrew S. McTague and fiancé, Kaitlyn Witz, of Warrensburg and Daniel McTague and wife, Jessica, of Glens Falls. Chase Winslow and Parker Kate McTague are GramGram’s special great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Friends may call on Ruth’s family from 11 am to 1 pm Saturday, July 25, at Alexander Funeral Home Inc., 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow the visitation at 1 pm, Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Stephen Andrews and Rev. Alan Brokaw co-officiating. Burial will take place privately at Dunning Street Cemetery, Malta. The family thanks Dr. Bryan Smead and Warren County nurse Danielle Martin for their special care. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Ruth’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg, 2 Stewart-Farrar St., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences, and directions.