DEFREESTVILLE –Ruth Ann Russell, 50, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Albany on April 11, 1961, she was the daughter of James and Euphemia "Ruth" McIntyre of Daytona Beach, FL and Altamont.
Ruth grew up in Altamont with her parents and siblings. She attended Altamont Elementary School, Guilderland Junior High and Guilderland High School. Ruth was co-owner of Mickey & Ruth's Sports Cards and The Collector's Friend (Sports Card Shop) in North Greenbush. She will be remembered for her loving nature, the smile that never left her face, along with her amazing perseverance and strength in the light of adversity. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Ruth's family was told that she would never walk. Despite their predictions, she walked at age six. She enjoyed one-handed golf and bowling with her husband and family. Ruth truly loved everyone she met and her good spirit and giving nature was second to none.
Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Mitchell "Mickey" Russell; daughter Dolores "Dee" Russell of Albany; son Michael (Meagan) Russell of Troy; siblings Susan (Bob) Stark of Guilderland, Bill (Jenny) McIntyre of Schenectady, Timothy (Julie) McIntyre of East Berne, John McIntyre of Guilderland, and Joseph McIntyre of Altamont, and brother-in-law Kevin (Michelle) Reilly of Scottsdale, AZ. Many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.
She was predeceased by siblings James "Jimmy" McIntyre and David McIntyre.
Ruth's family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff on the sixth floor of Samaritan Hospital during her stay, Dr. Resta, and the staff of New York Oncology Hemotology, and the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mitchell Russell, 474 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144 or donate online at www.GiveForward.com/ruthsfight in Ruth's name. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com