SHERIDAN: Ruth E. Stebbins, 89, of Main Road, Sheridan, died peacefully, Sunday May 31st, 2015, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Sheridan on February 25, 1926, the daughter of the late Herbert J. and Beulah E. (Bentley) Richter.
She was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1943 and amazingly, kept in close contact with many classmates, which she referred to as her “school chums”. During WWII, she went on to work for the former Linde Air in Buffalo, until her marriage to Sheldon B. Burmaster on October 8, 1949. They operated their grape farm, in Sheridan, until his untimely death on February 11, 1969. She continued to manage the farm for many years, until her retirement.
Mrs. Stebbins was a member of Sheridan United Methodist Church (where she was a longtime Sunday School Teacher), the former Maple Avenue Missionary Society, the Sheridan Happy Seniors and an over 50 year member of the Sheridan Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary. She was a prime organizer of the reunions of the former one room school houses in Sheridan and through the years, Mrs. Stebbins volunteered with many other organizations & activities. She always had a positive outlook, loved life and all of her experiences. Mrs. Stebbins loved her family and keeping in touch with her many friends. She also enjoyed playing the piano, playing cards and the 30 winters she spent in Largo, FL.
Survivors include two daughters, Lucinda K. Coon, of Fredonia, Bonnie J. Burmaster, of Hamburg, a son, Gary (Pamela) Burmaster, of Sheridan, a step daughter, Julie A. Stebbins and a step son, Paul E. Stebbins. She is also survived by granddaughter Bethany L. (Matthew) Margolis & great grandson Isaac E. Margolis, both of Silver Creek, 2 step grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents and first husband she was predeceased by her second husband Theodore Stebbins, who died Feb. 2, 2014, two brothers John & Donald Richter and granddaughter Amanda Sue Burmaster. The family extends special love and gratitude to HOSPICE Chautauqua County and especially to Bethanie, Karen, Rachel, Pastor Bill and the many others for their wonderful love & care over these last months.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock, with Rev. Carl Richter, nephew of the deceased officiating. Interment will follow in Sheridan Center Cemetery, Town of Sheridan. The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc., 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to the Charity of one’s choice. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
