Ruth A. Stephans

Indian Lake 

Ruth A. Stephans (Gerken), 89, of Route 30, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 23, 2019, at her home. 

Born on September 26, 1929 in Bremen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Rudolf Huellinghoff and Magdelene Gerken. Ruth came to the United States at the age of 21. 

She married James J. Stephans on May 15, 1953 in New York City. They moved to Indian Lake permanently in 1991 after spending many summers here with their family. Mr. Stephans passed away on February 13, 2013 following 60 years of marriage. Ruth and Jim were long-time members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, NY, and later, The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Glens Falls, NY. 

Ruth loved flowers and was known to have a green thumb. She was a wonderful homemaker, enjoying decorating, entertaining, and cooking. She was especially well known for her amazing cakes, which she loved to share at Christmas and on other special occasions. 

Survivors include her daughter, Catharina Bates and her husband Doug of Simsbury, CT; sons: James Stephans and his wife Cindy, of Cherry Hill, NJ, Brian Stephans and his wife Luander, of Woodhaven, NY; 19 grandchildren: William Stephans and his wife Shellice, Wendy Wallace and her husband Jason, Wesley Stephans, Cynthia Stephans, Colin Stephans, Chelsea Lee- Whittick,  Lisa Stephans, Kristin Stephans, Brian Stephans, Jr., Brandon Stephans, Elizabeth Stephans, Samantha Bates Zheng and her husband Davis, Cameron Bates, Olivia Bates, Erika Bates, Alexa Bates, Steven Bates, Julia Bates, and Ryan Bates; six great grandchildren: Gaige, Garrett, Gavin, Kassandra, Colton, and Greyson; a sister-in-law, Therese Mosch of Naples, FL, and several cousins. 

Friends may call from 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Miller Funeral Home, 6357 NYS Rte. 30, Indian Lake. 

Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 2 p.m. Saturday. Spring burial will be in Cedar River Cemetery, Indian Lake. 

Contributions in Ruth’s memory may be directed to The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 543 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. 

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