McKOWNVILLE – Ruth Ann Abele, 98, of McKownville, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Ruth was born in Albany, the daughter of the late John A. and Marie E. Tiernan O’Donnell. She graduated from Vincentian Institute and the New York State College for Teachers (Predecessor of SUNY Albany). She was employed for many years as an executive secretary by General Electric Co. in Schenectady. After her children were raised, Ruth lived by her motto of needing to be needed. She joined the ranks of volunteers. She was a charter member of the Guilderland Historical Society, the Volunteer group of the New York State Theater Institute, and the Board of Trustees of the SUNYA Libraries Friends. She was also active in the McKownville Fire Department Auxiliary, Guilderland Library Board of Trustees, and longtime volunteer at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred B. Abele, who died in 1985 after 39 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter Carol Ann Abele; her son Mark S. Abele and his wife Marilyn P. Semerad; and by many nieces and grand nieces and nephews.
Due to the current virus pandemic, services will be held privately, with burial in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Carol Felsen
My husband and I got to know Fred and Ruth while living in the McKnownville neighborhood and working with the Fire Department during a “controversy” about water districts in the ’80s . Although we moved farther “west” in Guilderland 35 years ago, we maintained our “relationship” with Ruth through an annual Xmas card exchange. I assumed that when we stopped getting a response (always with a warm note) that she may no longer be able but continued to send them anyway. We share you loss and will always remember a caring, loving friend.
Karl & Carol Felsen
Ann and Don Eberle
Our sincere sympathy to the family. I worked for the pediatrician who cared for the Abele children, which is how I met Ruth. My husband and Fred became friends, both interested in trains. We sent and received Christmas greetings ever since.
Timothy Rudzinski Sr
I’m sorry to see that Ruth has passed. I worked with Fred at the NYSDOT Structures Division. I’m a RR buff like Fred was and I only met Ruth once and she was a nice lady to me. My condolences to all in the family.
Roberta Armstrong
I got to know Ruth well when I worked as development director for the UAlbany Library. She was kind, thoughtful, and extremely helpful as a Friend of the Library and one of the founding members of “The Greatest Generation Fund for the Libraries.” I enjoyed Ruth’s company at many planning events and some actual fun stuff. I smile thinking of her.
More to the point, Ruth was kind and loving and my friend. My condolences to her family and to other friends who loved her.
Best.
Roberta Armstrong
Seal Beach CA
Lois Gallager
Ruth was a lovely person who worked with my Mother (Mabel King) and Aunts (Katherine and Lorraine King) in the McKownville Fire Dept Auxiliary. We had many good times together with your Mother and Dad Fred, who was also such a wonderful person. Their love of the community, and contribution to McKownville was much appreciated.
Richard and Lois King Gallager and brothers Curtis, Stephen and Chester King