Ruth Friederike Priess

GREEN ISLAND- Ruth Friederike Priess, of Green Island, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 13, 1963, the daughter of Diane Cotton of Malta and Gilbert Priess of Voorheesville. She grew up on Duane Lake and attended Duanesburg Central Schools.

We've lost a sweet, sensitive, and beautiful woman. Even as a small child, Ruth had a deep and abiding love for nature and all living things. There wasn't a stray cat or dog she didn't want to bring home to care for and protect, and we definitely knew better than to swat a fly or squash a spider. It was always catch and release around Ruth. All throughout her life, her world revolved around her constant parade of pets.

After high school, she worked a variety of retail sales jobs, among them book stores because she loved her books and a music store because of her appreciation of all forms of music.

For a number of years, she was able to satisfy her desire to be closer to nature by living and working at a variety of national parks, including Yellowstone, Crater Lake and the Everglades.

After that experience, she returned to the area and obtained her LPN license. She worked exclusively with seniors providing comfort for her patients either in nursing homes or, often, in their own homes.

Ruth is survived by her parents, Diane Cotton and Gilbert Priess (Barbara); her long-time companion, Jonathan Daniels; her brothers: David Priess of Mayfield and Sean Lee of Malta; and her sister, Lovasia Lee of Amsterdam. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Wielt and her brother, Jonathan Priess.

Family members and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Ruth's memory at the Turf Tavern, 40 Mohawk Avenue in Scotia, on Wednesday, August 9, from four to six p.m.

To share a memory of Ruth or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.