Ruth Inez Ahders

COLONIE, NY
Ruth Inez (Parah) Ahders
On August 13th, 2022 after bravely battling with prolonged illness Ruth was welcomed to go home with the Lord.
Ruth was born on January 12th, 1949 to Arnold and Hilda Parah, in Fairfield Vermont. Most of her childhood was happily spent in Swanton Vermont growing up with her six brothers and one sister in the family home.
Predeceased is her parents Arnold Parah and Hilda Parah; her daughter Rhonda (Duell) Ahders; her brothers Arnold Parah, Jerry Parah, Renny Parah, and Ronald Parah.

Ruth is survived by her husband Leonard Ahders; her sons Scott Ahders and Steven Ahders; her brothers Leonard Parah and Larry Parah; her sister Carlene St.Denis; and her grandsons Benjamin Duell Jr. and Nicholas Ahders.
Very quickly Ruth discovered her love for arithmetic and overall general education at Swanton Middle School, a place in which she developed her eclectic knowledge of the world around her. Never straying far from her morals, making sure to always put the needs of others ahead of her own, and no matter what tried to stand in her way, she never gave up. As a strong willed and independent young woman Ruth was determined to put herself through high school in a time when the importance of women's education unjustly fell upon the deaf ears of the world. A task in which she conquered through working summers to earn the money for her books and supplies. In an effort to prove to herself and others that her education wasn't futile she achieved straight A's and numerous awards in secretarial studies.In her free time as a young adult Ruth enjoyed the thrill-seeking activity of motorcycle riding with friends. Also she was the star pitcher on her highschool softball team.

Years later, while waiting tables at a local motel's restaurant for extra money, Ruth met and fell in love with her soon to be husband Leonard Ahders. In the year 1972 Ruth and Len were married, thusly beginning a long and prosperous bond that would span over fifty years. Together they moved to New York and purchased their first house. Which began its life as a modest handyman's special in dire need of care. Ruth worked hard with her husband to turn the house into their family's forever home. As the house began taking shape Ruth and Len's family grew. Ruth took tremendous pride in giving her three children the best possible lives and all the opportunities she didn't have as a child. In an effort to instill good morals and faith in them, she saw all three children through Sunday School and Confirmation at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Albany, NY, passing down her new found faith in the Lord. Her first born Scott shared her passion for baseball. Ruth loved packing up dinner for the family and rooting him on in all of his games. Ruth's middle child Rhonda loved shopping and trying out new recipes with her mother. Ruth enjoyed spending time homeschooling her youngest child Steven and teaching him valuable life skills like sewing and having fun camping. After the always rewarding task of raising her own children with her husband, Ruth continued on in the field of childcare along many avenues. Be it through working at various local day care centers, raising children as a private nanny, or handcrafting specialized teaching methods for disabled children at Forest Park Elementary, Ruth loved shaping the minds of the youth and helping each and every one of them to adopt her drive for learning.

Ruth would later teach Sunday School and confirmation at Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
At home Ruth hosted weekly Bible Studies with her husband, and alone in a ladies group for many years, spreading the Word of God and homemade food, emphasizing that all were welcome. Ruth's relationship with God was entitled with great importance in her life. She later acquired the position of secretary at her local church Christ Lutheran where she would bring her faith full circle by working for the Lord.

As Ruth began the approach into retirement an unexpected event granted her and her husband with full custody of her grandson Benjamin. Seeing a young boy in need of a parent Ruth put everything aside and raised him with love and compassion as if he were her own. She enjoyed playing with him and teaching him how to cook like her.
In retirement Ruth adored traveling with her husband to places like Maine and Montauk, NY where she was particularly fond of sightseeing various lighthouses and sampling local cuisine. Closer to home Ruth visited several local casinos with her family and friends, playing the slot machines and having fun no matter if she won or lost. When she wasn't out with family and friends Ruth could be found at home enjoying her family pets, most recently her little dog Toby.

In conclusion, family was the most important aspect of life to Ruth, she loved cooking and using food to bring everyone together. Ruth also enjoyed raising children and helping them to learn about the world, along with spreading the word of God to all.

Following the Funeral Service on August 27th all participants are welcome to join Ruth's family and friends at her home on 58 Jones Drive Schenectady NY for the reception with light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Free To Be Me Rescue 154 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 Https://freetobemerescue.org