Obituary of Ruth Gardner Bradshaw

Ruth Gardner Bradshaw, age 97 and the 5th of 6 children, passed away on July 17, 2015. Ruth was born on October 10th, 1917 in Lincklaen, New York to the late JD and Nina Gardner. Her childhood home was in the town of DeRuyter on Utica Street near the Tioughnioga Creek Bridge. Her father, JD, was the town blacksmith and our family did quite well in the days before the automobile. They grew corn, hay, and tended a little chicken coop to help make ends meet. Ruth graduated DeRuyter High School in 1934, but it would be five more years until she met the love of her life, Sheldon (Brad) Bradshaw in the Tack Room at the Hotel Cortland in '39. She was a waitress & he was handsome bachelor. They fell in love and married soon after. Brad & Ruth spent 49 wonderful years together, most of it on Hannum Avenue in Homer, NY. Brad died in 1989. Ruth traveled the world after Brad passed, venturing to Fiji, Australia, Europe and Alaska. Ruth always made her time count. She raised three boys - Jon, Eric, & Anderson. Ruth worked at the Crescent Corset Factory for over 25 years - at home, she baked the best rhubarb pie anyone has ever tasted. There are those who frequent Homer Seniors Card Night that may claim otherwise, but she never cheated at cards. Not even once. Ruth hosted her 90th birthday at the Hathaway House and it was an affair we all will remember. Her life was full. She is dearly missed. She is survived by her sons Jon & Anderson; her grandsons Eric, Anderson, and Richard; great-grand-children Tre, L.J. & Evelyn; many nieces, nephews & cousins as well numerous friends and loved ones. We miss you Grandma. Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 24th at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland from 9:30 am to 11:30 am immediately followed by a memorial service there. Contributions may be made to Cortland County Area Aging - Nutrition Program, c/o Ruth Bradshaw, 60 Central Ave. Cortland, NY 13045.