Ruth L. Pitcher died Friday February 16, 2018, at the Timberlyn East Rehabilitation & Care Center in Great Barrington, Mass. She was 94 years old. She was born July 22, 1923, in Holyoke Mass., to William H. Lines and Agnes M. Weir. Initially named Marion Ruth, her name later was quickly changed to Ruth Laurel. She grew up in South Hadley Falls, Mass., and graduated from high school in Holyoke. She met her husband, William Burling Pitcher of East Chatham, at a social event while he was serving with the United States Army at Westover Field in Chicopee, Mass. They were married on her 19th birthday, only to be separated by World War II for three years. While he served tours in North Africa, Italy and England, she helped make capacitors for the war effort. When the war ended, they settled at his family's farm, Hillcrest Orchard on Frisbee Street in East Chatham, and built a home to raise their four children, Beth DeOme (Daniel) of Dipolog, Mindinao, Philippines, William (Peggy) of Gloversville, James (Christina) of Ghent and Robert (Lynette) of Spencertown. They later moved to a Victorian home on the Klein Kill in Ghent, which provided more space for their growing family and room to entertain their children's friends, neighbors and the many honorary relatives who called her Mom, Aunt Ruth or Grammy. By day, guests would lounge around the pool or play in the large lawn, and by night, they would gather around the extra-large kitchen table for cards and conversation. The coffee pot was always full, ready for a visitor. Ruth enjoyed the company of animals, breeding and raising collies and, later, started a Siamese cats breeding business, Luvdat Cattery. She would watch for cardinals out her large kitchen window. She and William were active in the East Chatham Methodist Church for many years and, in later years, attended Bible Baptist Church in Ghent. She also worked with the 4-H Club in East Chatham, teaching children how to make cookies. The family home passed into the next generation, but Ruth and William stayed in Columbia County, retiring to Chatham and actively supporting their grandchildren's pursuits. They were still living on Church Street when they surpassed 70 years of marriage. They would enjoy another three years before William died March 16, 2016, at age 96. She moved to Great Barrington shortly after. In addition to her children, she is survived by 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She also is survived by a sister, Barbara Wilson, of Yorktown, Va. She was predeceased by two brothers, William Lines and James Lines. A viewing will be held Friday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at Bible Baptist Church, 1323 County Route 23, Ghent, with her son, the Rev. William S. Pitcher, officiating. Interment will follow at Cemetery of the Maples, East Chatham, led by her son-in-law, the Rev. Daniel DeOme. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chatham Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 352, Chatham 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at www.frenchblasl.com.