Ruth H. Buchholz

Ruth Elizabeth Houghton was born August 30, 1929, the daughter of Warren S. Houghton and Adah Caroline Bowhay at Rockingham Hospital in Bellows Falls, Vermont. She graduated from Stevens High School, Claremont, New Hampshire in 1947.

Ruth worked as a telephone operator and instructor at the Claremont, NH office of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company from 1946 until 1949 when she entered Union University School of Nursing at Albany, NY. Ruth graduated with honors in 1952 and worked as a registered nurse on the staff at Albany Hospital until her marriage to Lewis W. Buchholz in Claverack, NY at Grandma Daisy Buchholz house on Easter Sunday on April 5, 1953. They shared seven precious years together; Lewis died on May 2, 1960.

Ruth worked as a staff nurse and nursing supervisor at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY from 1953 until September 1964 when after receiving her BS Degree in Nursing cum Laude from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY. She was appointed Director of Nursing at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY.

Ruth also received her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Russell Sage College in 1981. Ruth was a highly respected member of her profession serving as a role model for many young nurses.

During her professional career, Ruth was a member of the American Nursing Association, the National League for Nursing and served as a member and secretary of the Northeastern New York Directors of Nursing Association. She also served as secretary and later president of the Columbia Greene Management Association. She served on the boards of the local chapters of both the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association.

Ruth was an active member of the Hudson Business and Professional Woman's Club and the Hudson Trippers serving as president for a number of years. During her lifetime Ruth enjoyed, first of all, her family sharing many outdoor activities with them particularly hiking and camping. Ruth enjoyed baking and cooking entertaining family and friends, reading, photography, and she maintain an active correspondence with family and friends. She enjoyed art, particularly Impressionist paintings and many different types of music.

Ruth is survived by her children; Lewis W. Buchholz Jr. (Nancy), Carl H. Buchholz, David A. Buchholz (Judith), Barbara J. Munson (Fred), Marilyn A. Bejin, and Robert W. Buchholz.

Her ten grandchildren; Jennifer Ruth Smith, Beth B. Visser (Richard), Wayne L.Buchholz (Amy), Kathryn T. Buchholz, Scott D. Buchholz (Marimar), Christine A. Lybarger (Michael), Todd F. Munson (Christine), Erica M. Hamilton (Gabriel), Ashley L. Garza, Shane M. Bejin (Madeleine).

Her twenty one great grandchildren; Elijah Z. Smith, Cameron J. Slaughter, Forrest D. Viisser, Parker L. Visser, Grace M. Visser, Lily F. Visser, Samuel D. Buchholz, Alexandra M. Buchholz, Isabella B. Thompson, Lavar Arthur Buchholz, Adrian J. Buchholz, Claire E. Buchholz, Gwendolyn A. Lybarger, Aidan M. Lybarger, Liam D. Lybarger, Evelyn R. Munson, Caleb D. Munson, Gavin M. Hamilton, Julia A. Hamilton, Carter S. Bejin, and Hailey Ruth Bejin, and one great grandson Axton R. Slaughter.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Houghton and a daughter-in-law, Susan.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held 11am, Saturday, December 12, 2026, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 9998 Grant Street in Thornton.

Please visit horancares.com to share memories and condolences with the Buchholz Family.