Obituary of Ruth S. Appel

Ruth S. Appel A retired teacher in the Monticello Central School District, departed from this life on March 21, 2006 following a courageous two-year battle with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's disease) at the tender age of 64. She passed away at home, surrounded by close friends. She was born on Jan. 20, 1942 in Rochester, NY, the second of two children born to the late Abraham and Phyllis Greenberg Smalline who were responsible for setting up the first Leukemia fund for research following the death of her brother David at 14 when Ruthie was nearly 10. Ruth taught at the George L. Cooke elementary school for 35 years until her retirement in 2002. She belonged to Temple Shalom in Monticello, was a member of the Monticello Kiwanis where she coordinated the "Skip-A-Meal" fundraiser to help eradicate Iodine Deficiency Disease, and participated in many community projects and events through the years. She was a beloved friend at the ALS support group in Albany, NY. Ruthie was a multi-dimensional person who knew how to live life to its fullest. She had a great smile, infectious laugh and an out-going personality. Friends remember her as an extraordinary teacher for 35 years, mentor to friends, and a "pro" at crastinating. Many "loves" of her life included golf, her deck garden, travel (both road trips and abroad), camp, 4-lb lobsters, and Thursday night card parties. Music was a joy to her and she could often be heard whistling, humming or singing (slightly off key) until disease took her voice. She was generous to a fault, creative and innovative, empathetic and poetic, but mostly she was fun to be with because she found humor in everything and had an uncanny knack to turn even adversity into a positive experience. Her perseverance and courage during her illness will remain an inspiration to all who knew her. Ruthie's quick wit, caring nature, and impish, fun-loving personality will remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces whenever we remember the great times we shared. She was known as "Mrs. Apple" to her second graders at the Cooke School...a suitable name for a teacher who shined and provided all the right educational nutrients for her students to grow and thrive. She was an amazing mother who never missed an important moment in her son’s life and a devoted grandmother who relished the time spent with her granddaughter until her time was cut short. Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Alicia Appel, and her granddaughter, Erica, all of Denver, CO, as well as many cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, David Samuel Smalline. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by a multitude of friends who were like family to her. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, March 26th at 2 PM at Britton Road Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 547 French Road between 7-9 PM Memorial contributions may be made to the "Ruth S. Appel Award", a scholarship fund at Monticello High School, c/o Ellen Nesin, 85 Rock Ridge Drive, Monticello, NY 12701, or to the ALS Foundation, St. Peter's Hospital, 315 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Home Monticello, NY Birthplace Rochester, NY