Ruth O. Price

December 23, 1932 - November 9, 2021

Ruth O. Price, 88, passed away on November 9, 2021. Ruth was born on December 23, 1932, in Melrose, the daughter of the late William and Ruth E. (Viall) Diefendorf Ruth received her undergraduate degree from Russell Sage College and then her M.A. from the University at Albany in 1972. She worked at Van Rensselaer Manor as social worker for thirty years and volunteered there as an ombudsman after retirement. Ruth and her second husband enjoyed years of competitive ballroom dancing; their bookcase was adorned with many trophies for dance. She and her husband built a home in Sacandaga and remained there for eleven years before purchasing a home in Albany. They enjoyed boating with the Sacandaga Power Squadron as well as snowmobiling in the winter. Ruth also loved cooking and reading. She was a lifelong cat lover; in addition to her own family of felines, she took care of feral cats in the neighborhood she lived in. Ruth was predeceased by her first husband, William Owens; her second husband of 31 years, William Price; and her only child, William Owens. She was also predeceased by her stepson Bill Price in 2018; her stepdaughter, Carolyn Price-Valenti in 2021; her sister-in-law and friend Chris Owens; and many friends from her childhood home in Melrose, both human and feline. Ruth is survived by her stepchildren, Daniel Price of Albany, and Susan Gomes (Emmanuel) of Albany; step-grandchildren, Jillian Price (Michael Schwabe), Mark Price, Zachary Gomes, Jesse Gomes, Jaimie Gomes, Alexa Valenti, and Brandon Valenti; and one step-great-grandchild, Jasper Schwabe. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Ruth was cared for at her home in Albany before moving to Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy, where she lived until her death. The family is most grateful to the fine staff at Van Rensselaer Manor for their care and compassion during Ruth's time there. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.