Ruth P. Middleton, 92, of Muskrat Bay Road, Brewerton, died Wednesday at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Waterbury, CT, she was the daughter of Charles A. and Lillian M (Russell) Penrose. Ruth was a graduate of the College of St. Rose and was a teacher in Horicon, New York, and Millbrook Memorial School in Millbrook, New York. She was the secretary of Sears-Middleton Funeral Home, North Syracuse, until she retired in 1990. Ruth was a charter member of North Syracuse Lionettes and past president and member of Columbiettes and St. Rose of Lima Altar Rosary Society. Ruth and her husband, Wilbur "Bill," raised five children in a house in North Syracuse. Her long, full life included teaching school in the Adirondacks, traveling with Wilbur to countless Lions events, working with him at the funeral home, and hosting family reunions. Ruth was eminently practical, a force to be reckoned with, who had a wry sense of humor and a sparkling smile. Bill was our prankster, and Ruth was our anchor. She is now reunited with Wilbur, Pam, John, Danny and other loved ones. Ruth was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia "Pam" Roller; grandsons John and Danny Roller in 1987; and her husband, Wilbur "Bill" Middleton, in 1996. Survived by four sons, Michael (Paula) Middleton of Austin, TX, Daniel (Linda) Middleton of Hastings, NY, Gary Middleton of Nelson, NY, and Gerald (Patty) Middleton of Rochester, NY; grandchildren, Peter, Katherine, John, Mike, Shanon, Andy, Chris, Tim, Nicole, Lorraine, Tom and Maria; and 16 great-grandchildren. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Sears-Middleton-Jones Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street (Rte. 11), North Syracuse, NY. Funeral services will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 South Main St., North Syracuse. Interment will be in North Syracuse Cemetery, North Syracuse. Contributions may be made in Ruth's name to St. Rose of Lima Church, North Syracuse or the College of St. Rose, Alumni Office, 979 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12203.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard on November 29, 2009