In Memory of Ruth Miller Schulz

Obituary

Ruth Miller Schulz, 88, of New Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in the comfort of her home, and was surrounded by her loving family.  Ruth was born on February 9, 1937 in Utica, NY.  She is the daughter of the late Charles F.H. and Marion Jones Miller.  Ruth graduated from New Hartford High School in 1954.   On August 23, 1954, Ruth married Alfred W. Schulz at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Hartford, NY, a loving marriage of over 66 years.

There is nothing Ruth loved more than being at home raising her family, and spending summers at Oneida Lake camp appropriately named St. Ruth’s Chapel.   As children we learned that good behavior was expected.  Voices were never raised in the Schulz household.  When discipline was needed, a stern look (with a raised eyebrow) was directed your way, and you had better straighten up and fly right!  Her enduring love for family was always present.

She was a lifelong member at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Along with being a vestry member, she spent countless hours planting and tending to the gardens in front of the church.   Christmastime was particularly beautiful with traditional wreaths, red bows, and evergreen roping on the railings. Ruths’ knowledge of flowers and plantings were limitless.   She was also one of the original members of the New Hartford Fire Department Auxiliary. Once her children were in school, Ruth was invited to join the Junior League of Utica in 1968.  She worked at Reid-Sheldon Co. for more than 20 years and enjoyed creating beautiful window displays each season.  Ruth could always help a customer find just the right gift for someone.

Ruth is survived by her four children Nancy (Steven) Hartmann of Hilton Head Island, SC, Susan (Joseph) Mahaney of New Hartford, Elisabeth Schulz (Mike Parkin) Vienna, NY and Eric (Laurie) Schulz of Lake Placid, NY; grandchildren, Andrew Hartmann, Katherine Hartmann, Bethany Anne Mahaney, Christopher (Kimberly) Mahaney, Nicholas (Allie Liesch) Mahaney, Brian (Jamie) McGee, Peter McGee, Karl Schulz (Tiana Lee),  Scott Schulz (Anna Schriefer); and great grandchildren, Benicio, Mia, Lukas, twins Ruth and Elaine.  Ruth dearly loved all of her nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law Dory Miller, Scottsdale, AZ.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband Al in November 2021, her sister Marilyn M. Stiefvater, brother Bud Miller and her dear twin sister Anne (Bob) Berner, her stepfather Len Adams, and brother-in-law Gilbert P. Schulz; sister-in-law Norma J. Moles (Kenneth); and a dear nephew, Peter H. Moles.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Crystal and her team, for the exceptional care provided to Ruth and her family for the past ten months. Henderson’s Home Care (Mallory, Kelsie and staff) also provided valuable companion care services when Ruth needed assistance.  Our family would like to thank Al and Ruth’s  neighbors Joe and Renee Varieur, Donna and Butch Wolanski for their many years of friendship.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 4:00p – 6:00p at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.  A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00am.

Interment will be at the convenience of family in Crown Hill Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, please consider St. Stephens Episcopal Church or the New Hartford Fire Department in memory of Ruth.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.