Ruth H Karutis

Ruth Helen Karutis, 96, passed away peacefully January 2, 2021 at Wilkinson residential Health Care Facility

Ruth was born August 23, 1924, in Amsterdam, the daughter of the late Victoria and Joseph Capala.

She spent her entire life in Amsterdam, and often shared her favorite stories and memories of the city during its prime, remarking on its beautiful churches, active social community, and bustling Main Street.

She attended St. Stanislaus School, Theodore Roosevelt Junior High School and Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School. She knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher, and went on to receive her B.A. in History and English education and M.A. in Guidance from the Albany State Teachers College.

She returned to the region to teach American History and English at Gloversville High School and Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School. She later served students as a guidance counselor in the Amsterdam School District, spending a considerable amount of her career at Marie Curie Elementary School.

Her educational efforts extended to her much-loved church community at St. Casimir’s, where she taught religious education for 20 years.

Ruth will be lovingly remembered for her kind, positive, and no-nonsense demeanor, the pride she took in raising three sons, the mischievous wink she shared with her granddaughters, her love of fashion and the latest styles, and for always having the perfect shoes and brooch for every outfit. She often reminisced on her time spent sharing recipes with her fellow teachers, helping students with her firm but gentle guidance, and for having found a fulfilling and meaningful calling in life through education.

Her husband, Robert J. Karutis, who died in 1988, and her son, Paul Karutis, who died in 2017, predeceased her. She is survived by her sons, James and Robert Karutis, daughter-in-law, Jean Karutis, granddaughters, Laura Karutis, Kayleigh Karutis, Cecilia Parillo and Lena Karutis and great grandson, Rossco Henderson.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for the family will be held at St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam.
Interment will take place at St. Casimir’s Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Ruth’s name may be made to Activities Fund at Wilkinson RHCF, 4988 St. Hwy. 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010.
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