P. Larsen Ruth

Ruth P. Larsen, age 97, of Ovid, NY, died peacefully in her sleep, with her family at her side on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Covert Funeral Home, 7199 South Main Street in Ovid. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10:00am on Friday, April 8, 2016, with prayers of committal held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Kindly consider a donation in Ruth❜s memory to Holy Cross Cemetery, PO Box 337, Ovid, NY 14521, or the American Lung Association, www.lung.org.

Ruth was born on March 22, 1919 in Batavia, NY, one of eight children born to the late Walter and Helen (Lafler) Phillips. Ruth graduated in 1942 from Cortland State Teachers College and taught Physical Education before starting work at Willard Psychiatric Center, where she was Assistant Supervisor of Recreational Therapy, retiring in 1977. Ruth had an unwavering faith in God and was a longtime member of Holy Cross Church. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her loving family, her home being the base for family gatherings and events. She had a passion for gardening and loved listening to all the birds who came to visit. She spent her later years playing cards with her children and grandchildren, or sharing her endless passion for episodes of NCIS. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her laughter and caring, will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her sons, Robert (Cathy) of Beaver Dams, William (Pat) of Interlaken and James of Weedsport, her daughters, Sandra Larsen of Fayette, Margaret McGough of Ovid, Helen Larsen of Willard, Carol Bobertz of Trumansburg, and Mary (Ken) Hampton of Las Vegas, NV, 22 grandchildren, and numerous great and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Laverne in 2005, her brothers, Walter Phillips and Robert Phillips, sisters, Rita Mary Phillips, Margaret Kenney, Mary Gropp, Louise Stewart, and Dorothy Crane and sons-in law, Bradley Bobertz and Merle Olschewske.