Ruth Evelyn (Pletcher) Simonds

Ruth Simonds, 3 months shy of 100, passed away in St. Petersburg, Fl. in the arms of the Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2017.  She was born March 29, 1918 to the late Clarence Pletcher and Eva Lacey Pletcher in North Tonawanda, NY and became a resident of Niagara Falls later the same year.  She moved to St. Petersburg in 2014.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Suzanne and her husband Troward Wells of Cary, NC, grandchildren Greig Wells of Tampa and Karen and her husband Troy Jackson of Hong Kong; Great Grandchildren Turner, Lacey, Simond and Kali, nieces Judith Kazukietas of St. Petersburg, Fl and Joyce Maslim.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Richard in 1981, and siblings Mabel, Jerauld, Deane and Ray.

She was a member of the Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church and was the first female to serve on the board of deacons.  She also attended St. James Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Fl.

She and her husband operated a variety store on the corner of Linwood and 18th Street and a confectionery store on the corner of Pierce Avenue and 18th Street for 7 years.

Ruth then was employed by the City of Niagara Falls for 25 years beginning as a civil servant account clerk in the Public Works Department and later becoming executive secretary to 8 city managers.  She retired in 1979.  During the summer, she and her husband enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Turkey Point, Ontario.  After retirement, Ruth and her husband spent the winter months in St. Petersburg, Fl.

Ruth was a past member of the Zonta Club of Niagara Falls and Business and Professional Club.  She graduated from Niagara County Community College in 1973 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science.  In 1974, she was awarded the personal achievement award by the Niagara County Community College alumnae association.  In 1977, she received a certificate from the United States Civil Service Commission of NY for advanced secretarial techniques.  She also received the Top Hat award from radio station WHLD in 1979.

While she enjoyed an exemplary career, her great personal joy was visiting with her grandchildren and with whom she developed a deep loving bond.  Ruth was a loving wife and mother to her family.  Her charm, wit, and empathy will be missed by all.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 14th from 10 a.m.-12:00 noon followed by a funeral service in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.  Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Michael R. Goodlander, Otto Redanz Funeral Home.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences.