Obituary of Ruth L. Rikard

Ruth Leger Rikard, 88, passed away on August 17, 2017 at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Ruth was born in Gilboa, New York on August 30, 1928, the daughter of the late John Leger and Ruth Ridlon Leger. She graduated from Gilboa Central School and Roosevelt Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn, New York as a Registered Nurse, and also from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelors in Education. She worked at Bathgate Hospital in Stamford, New York, Margaretville Hospital and Community Hospital, Stamford, as a Registered Nurse, taught the nursing program at the Northern Catskills Occupational Center, and served as school nurse at Grand Gorge Central and Jefferson Central Schools. She retired as School Nurse Teacher from Gilboa-Conesville Central School in 1987. Ruth was a member and past matron of Eastern Star in Prattsville and Windham as well as member and past president of Earl B. Dudley (Grand Gorge) American Legion Auxiliary. She also served as a girl scout leader for many years. She married Arthur (Stub) Rikard on May 1, 1952. They celebrated their 50th anniversary shortly before he predeceased her in 2002. She is survived by her children, Valerie (Richard) Brainerd of Prattsville, NY, Ellen (James) Brenn of Palm Bay, Florida, Jean Monnen of Youngstown, NY, David Rikard of Prattsville, NY and Daniel (Lila) Rikard of Prattsville, NY as well as two of her five brothers, Raymond Leger of Titusville, Florida and Carl Leger of Montgomery, Alabama. She also has 13 grandchildren, Richard J. Brainerd, Stephanie Brainerd Tuomey, Michelle Brainerd, Megan Monnen Wahl, Amanda Monnen Fleming, Charles F. Monnen, Andrew Rikard, Anasatasia Rikard Salerno, Jamison Rikard, Samuel Rikard , Rebecca Rikard Carol Brenn Babicz and Andrea Brenn Braren. She also has 9 great-grandchildren, and was pre-deceased by great-granddaughter Ashlyn Fleming as well as three brothers, John Leger, William Leger and Paul Leger. Calling hours will be on Sunday, August 20th beginning at 1 pm at Decker Funeral Home in Windham with a service to be held at 3 pm. Interment to follow at Gilboa Rural Cemetary. The family would like to invite all to a reception celebrating Ruth's life to be held at the Prattsville Hotel immediately following. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Prattsville Hose Company or Grand Gorge Hose Company.