Ruth Ellen Fishburn

Ruth Ellen Fishburn (nee Leier) aged 95 years passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024.

Daughter of the late Walter Leier and Grace Markstahler she is survived by her sons Bill (Debra) Fishburn and John (Christine) Fishburn. Her grandchildren Olivia, Dan, Kathleen Smith, Stormy, Anthony, Kendall, Shianne McDaniel, Shane Kirouac and a number of great grand children. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years Barclay Fishburn, daughter Rachel Kirouac and brother William Leier.

Growing up in Queens New York, Ruth went to Grover Cleveland High School where she graduated at the age of 16. As valedictorian of her junior high school, she followed in the footsteps of her mother Grace who was valedictorian of her 8th grade class before dropping out of school to go to work to support the family. In 1946 her family moved with her father's work from Queens to Amsterdam, New York where she met her husband Barclay through an Intervarsity Christian young people’s group that met monthly with students from various colleges and universities. 

June 1949 she received her bachelor's in Spanish studies from State University New York at Albany. Following graduation from college she taught in the Wallkill, New York school district for one year.

In 1950 she married Barclay Fishburn who had received his Masters of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She joined him in developing a ministry to Spanish speaking workers in the Amsterdam, New York area while her husband was the pastor at First Reformed Church, Amsterdam, New York. Ruth was focused on being a follower of Jesus Christ, studying the word of God, applying Christlike principles to all of life and challenging her children to do the same all throughout her life. 

During the early years of their marriage Ruth focused on serving with her Husband in ministry at the churches he was leading. Once they had children in the home the care and education of their children and support of her husband became primary. In 1971 she earned a master's degree from Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. Once her children were older Ruth began teaching Spanish in various high schools and junior high schools until she retired from that work in 1990.

Ruth continued to strive to guide her family in the ways of our Lord, many times asking us how our relationship with God was going. Were we being active in the church, what we had been studying and praying for her children and grandchildren that all would make and keep their commitment to Christ.

Looking back at a life very well lived for God, Ruth’s selfless devotion to her children and husband during the early years was not always evident but now it is shown that she is a Proverbs 31 woman. While we will miss our talks with her, we look forward with anticipation to the promised resurrection, joining with her in heaven, rejoicing together and praising our savior.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday November 9, 2024 at 11 am at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas. 

Internment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Charlton, NY on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11 a.m..

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