Ruth E Van Schaick

Ruth E. Van Schaick, 92 of Rotterdam passed away Saturday December 8, 2012 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home in Schenectady. Born in Oneonta, NY, she was the daughter of the late Percy and Edna (Hazard) Smallin. Ruth graduated from Oneonta High School and the Crane Conservatory of Music at SUNY Potsdam. She was a Music Teacher in the Schalmont School District for 20 years, retiring in 1975. Ruth was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church in Rotterdam, serving as the Music Director for 50 years where she directed the church choir, many special choir programs, choir retreats, and junior choirs. Ruth organized and for 40 years, directed "Senior Saints", the church's Senior Citizen musical group. She also directed massed choirs of Rotterdam churches for Ash Wednesday and other services. At Trinity, Ruth served as president of the Trinity Reformed Church Women and for many years was chairman of the church's Education and Spiritual life committees. She founded the library at the church. Ruth was president of Schenectady Women's Classical Union of the Reformed Church and was a delegate to the national triennial meeting of Reformed Church Women in America. She has been a member of the Schenectady Etude Club and has sung with the Potsdam Chorus at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was a member of the Helderberg Twirlers. Ruth was a member of the Gideon Auxiliary and served as president of that organization. She was also active at Kingsway Village Apartments directing musical activities for Church services and other celebrations. Ruth was a loving wife, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to spend summers camping with her family in the Adirondacks. Ruth is predeceased by her husband Carlton Van Schaick whom she married June 20, 1942 and provided musical support for services at Second Reformed Church of Howes Cave, NY when Carlton was the Pastor. She is survived by her children Thomas Van Schaick (Patricia) of Burnt Hills, Robert Van Schaick ( Kathleen) of Rome, NY and Gary Van Schaick ( Robin) of Lake Hopatcong, NJ, one sister Mary Jane McGowan of Oneonta, NY, also survived by 9 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren and several nephews. Funeral Services will be Wednesday evening 5:30PM followed by a fellowship meal at the Trinity Reformed Church 705 Curry Road in Rotterdam. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend. Calling Hours will be Wednesday 3-5:30PM at the church. Internment will be on Thursday at the Gerald BH. Solomon -Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Contributions can be made in Ruth's memory to the Alzheimer's Association 4 Pine West Plaza #405 Albany, NY 12205 or to the Trinity Reformed Church 705 Curry Road Rotterdam, NY 12306.