Ruth M. Peckham (Van Swall) died peacefully at her home in Liverpool NY on September 2, 2021.  She fulfilled her desire to remain in her home until her death at 105 years old. She was a member of the Liverpool First United Methodist Church. Before coming to Liverpool to be closer to family, she raised her children, along with her husband, in both Andes and Walton N.Y.

Ruth lived her life with a deep sense of gratitude and a strong faith that never wavered. Practicing hospitality to family, friends and the less fortunate was her hallmark. She felt so blessed to have had loving parents, a devoted husband and a cherished family. Her longevity can be traced to good Dutch genes and her lifeline passion for organic gardening and a healthy lifestyle. In her active years, she was a skilled gardener who grew most of her own vegetables. She was highly organized and made the perfect librarian. She offered this skill to the Andes, N.Y. public library when her girls were toddlers and for many years to the Walton First United Presbyterian Church library. She also sold real estate with her husband in Delaware County to help finance her children's education. Ruth was also skilled in refinishing family heirlooms and was the keeper of many furniture pieces passed down from her ancestors. One of her hobbies was early American decoration for which she took classes and meticulously cut out authentic stencil designs to apply to antique furniture and tin household pieces. This original form of stenciling was both arduous and painstaking but she was patient, diligent and very skilled. Her leisure time was spent with family and friends at a cabin on the West Branch of the Delaware River and at her son's family cottage on Otisco Lake since moving to Central NY. Ruth gave generously and intentionally throughout her life to her family, church and community. We are extremely grateful for the excellent care and companionship provided by Seniors Helping Seniors, especially Georgeanna McBee and Linda Green and also by her dear friend and neighbor Judy Thurber. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Lowell C. Peckham, and her sister and brother- in-law, Betty and Bob Greene.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her son, Ron (Margaret) of Liverpool NY; two daughters, Nancy (Bob) Roberts of Attica NY and Carole White of Birmingham MI; grandsons, Mark(Julie) Dyviniak, Jeff (Lisa) Dyviniak, Kevin (Dana) White and Matthew (Kristen) Peckham; granddaughters, Katie (Dan) Lindsey and Sarah (Dan) Riley; 14 great grandchildren, Daniel, Nicole, Joshua and Elizabeth Dyviniak; Riley, Finley, Piper and Sawyer White; Olivia and James Peckham; Henry and Charlie Lindsey; Seth and Jack Riley.

A private service will be held for the family and caregivers at the Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., 300 Second Street, Liverpool, NY.  Private interment will be in Deansboro Cemetery, Deansboro, NY.

Contributions in Ruth's memory can be sent to the Rescue Mission Alliance, 155 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guest book for Ruth to express your condolences to her family.