Richard M. Ruhm

BEAVER FALLS — Richard Melvin Ruhm, 89, of State Route 126, died on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Lewis County General Hospital.

Richard was born May 9, 1920, in the town of New Bremen. His parents were Melvin and Nina Fritschie Ruhm. Richard's sister, Elzora Bushey died in 1980.

Mr. Ruhm was a life-long resident of Beaver Falls where he graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1938 and went to work at Latex Fiber Industries, later known as Boise Cascade where he retired in 1985.

Richard married Kathryn Nina Hoppe on August 12, 1945, at the home of her parents in Beaver Falls, with Rev. Frank C. Hube, Pastor of the Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church, officiating. Their daughter Kathy E. Ruhm was born in February of 1955, she resides in Watertown. Also surviving are a niece and nephews.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Beaver Falls and for many years was the church custodian. He enjoyed woodworking, photography and playing guitar. In 1988, he joined the Country Stompers and played at many nursing homes and senior citizens events. He was also a member of the Black River Fiddler Association. Richard continued with the photography while painting some of the pictures for others. He was very creative in all he did and was appreciated by many and was well-known as Secretary-Treasurer of the Riverside Cemetery Association.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at the Beaver Falls United Methodist Church with Rev. Dora J. Schneider, officiating who will be assisted by Rev. Linda J. Harris, Pastor and retired minister, Rev. Bruce W. Chapman.

Spring burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery Annex in Beaver Falls.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 12, 2010, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sundquist Funeral Home in Lowville.

Memorials in Mr. Ruhm's name may be made to the Riverside Cemetery Association, c/o Donald Martin, P.O. Box 473, Beaver Falls, NY 13305.