Ruth Carley Norton

Ruth Carley Norton, 95, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019. Born in Saranac Lake, NY on March 7, 1924, she was the daughter of Matthew G. and Florence Buchanan Otis.

Ruth married George Carley Jr. in 1943 at the Walter Reed Memorial Chapel in Washington DC, and together had seven children.

Ruth was a proud homemaker, our home was filled with scents of fresh cookies, pies and pastries, cinnamon rolls and dinner in the oven. We have all realized how blessed we were at that time in our lives. Our Mom always lovingly cared for us, straightening our hair and clothes, and getting us out the door with a warm breakfast, on time for the bus. Our friends were always welcome at our home.

While living in Lake Clear, Ruth was very involved with the community and St John’s in the Wilderness. She was a 4H leader, Religious Education teacher, Home Bureau – where she loved exploring her crafty talents, and Rosary Altar Society.

Our Mom had a kind heart, warm smile and funny sense of humor. She graciously accepted life as it became more challenging, she was polite and patient. Mom set a wonderful example for us. To most, Ruth was the kindest person they had ever met. She had a heart of gold that shined through the warm smile that was always on her face. Nothing brought Ruth more happiness than spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren, especially the “great” grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her seven children, Joan Javens of Florida, Mary Frink (Ernest, deceased) of Ontario, Anne Dietrich (David) of Ballston Spa, Loretta Lemmo (Martin) of Fort Edward, George Carley III (Jackie) of Indiana, Eloise Brooks (Jeffrey) of Indiana, and Joseph Carley (Teresa) of Virginia. Grandchildren Ruth Duncan (Mit), Anne Marie McNeil, Kenneth McNeil(Carol), Michelle Kuk(Raymond), Aaron Dietrich(Miranda), Scott Forth(Stacey), Daniel Forth(Cindy), George Carley IV(Katie), Kathryn Carley, Jason Carley and Jacob Carley(Jennifer). Eighteen great grandchildren. Robert Lee, Ashley, Erin and Zachary McNeil, Aidan, Meghan and Lauren McNeil, Abby and Samuel Kuk, Tiahna Hayes, Margaret and Peyton Forth, Aja, Grey and Cole Forth, Quentin, Vivian and Elena Carley.

Ruth is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Also, her dear friend Mary Ellen, who came to visit Mom every week and bring Communion for the past nine years. Mom would also include the staff at the Good Shepherd, Moreau as her best of friends. They cared for our Mother for the past five years with love, kindness and professionalism. You are all amazing, sensitive people.

Ruth married Kenneth Norton in 1970. Ken passed away in 1991, after many happy retirement years in Florida. Ruth moved back to New York nine years ago to be closer to family.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings. Mildred Otis, Harold Otis, Marie Heath, Kathryn Callaghan Cummings, and Madeline Jacquis.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

Relatives and friends are invited to join us to celebrate Mom’s life. A mass will be held at 11:00 am at St. John’s in the Wilderness Church in Lake Clear on Tuesday May 14th, with the Reverend Patrick Ratigan officiating. A viewing will be held at 10:00am in the church hall prior to the funeral mass. Burial will follow in Harrietstown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to The Home of the Good Shepherd, c/o Krista Waters, Activity Director, 198 Bluebird Road, South Glens Falls NY 12803. Friends can also share their memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com