Ruth Conklin Purcell of Walden, a lifetime resident of the area passed away Wednesday August 10, 2022 in Walden, NY. She was 65.
The daughter of Charles and Marie O’Connor Conklin, she was born October 15, 1956 in Highland Falls.
Ruth was a devoted wife, loving mother, beloved “Nonnie” and “Nana”, sister, aunt and friend. Her greatest joy in life was being with her three children and five grandchildren every chance she had. An avid baseball lover and die hard Yankee fan, she never missed one of her sons’ baseball games. Her happy place was the baseball field. She continued that commitment with all of her grandchildren and their sports and events. Nana never missed a game or dance recital, or the chance to drive Parker to work.
Anyone who knew Ruth also knew of her love for dogs, especially her beagles and grand puppies. Her current love, known by all, Benson “Benny” Purcell. Wherever Ruth went, Benny was by her side, including the car as her co-pilot.
Ruth’s ties to the Valley Central School district run long and deep. She was a 1974 graduate, and remained connected to many classmates. She retired from the district as a paraprofessional after 26 years of service in June 2021. Ruth prided herself with being part of the VC tradition, and she contributed much to it through her acts of service and donations.
Ruth loved crafting with her best friend Nancy and gardening. Her home was a reflection of both. Volunteering at the Orange County Arboretum was a way for her to give back while enjoying being around all of the beautiful flowers.
Ruth was the widow of Michael Purcell. Mike was the love of her life and she spent the last seventeen years, devoted to him and his memory. May they now rest together in eternal peace.
Survivors include her son Trevor Michael Purcell and his wife Melissa of Newburgh, her daughter Kelly Marie Martinez and husband Julian of Walden, and her baby boy Brady Thomas Purcell of Walden; her five beautiful grandchildren Peyton and Emily Purcell, Parker and Micaela Giudice and the newest, Rome Martinez. She is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend, Lynda Kimmel and husband Doyle of Poughkeepsie, her brother Charles Conklin of Denville NJ, and sister Helane Goetschius of Bradenton FL, mother-in-law Theresa Purcell, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, August 15, at Our Lady of the Lake, Newburgh Burial was in Wallkill Valley Cemetery in Walden, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the BeFreegle Foundation or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.