Ruth Halstead

Ruth M. Halstead of Olivebridge, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021. She was 79 years old. Ruth was born on February 17, 1942 in Kingston, NY; she was the daughter of the late Henry and Florence (Davis) Johnson.

Ruth grew up in Samsonville, NY, she graduated from Onteora High School in 1960 and from SUNY Oneonta in 1964. A week later on June 27, 1964, she married the love of her life, Purdy A. Halstead and together raised their family in Pleasant Valley, NY. She taught 4th grade at the Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School for the Arlington Central School District for more than three decades, spearheading that school’s SHARPE Reservation initiative. Ruth was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, both in Poughkeepsie and in Samsonville, having sung in the church choir most of her life and serving in various other leadership and supporting roles.  In addition, she led a busy life and dedicated her time to the Girls Scouts, the Boy Scouts, 4-H, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society and the Olive Seniors group among others.

Besides her loving husband Purdy, Ruth is survived by her children, Alan H. Halstead and his long-time partner Margie Smith of Poughkeepsie, and Maryanne F. Sasser and her husband Perry of Bridgton, ME; and her grandchildren, Daniel G. H. Halstead of Red Hook, Matthew A. Halstead of Mishawaka, IN, David I. Halstead of Rhinebeck, Zachary P. Kelly of Olivebridge, Kyle Smith of Poughkeepsie, and Rick Smith of Pleasant Valley.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, June 21st from 4-6pm at Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson. A celebration of her life will be held at 10am on Tuesday 22nd at the Samsonville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Stone Ridge.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Samsonville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1297, Olivebridge, NY 12461.