LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ruth Whitbeck Bush upon the occa-
sion of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Whitbeck Bush was born on April 27, 1914; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Ruth
Whitbeck Bush upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; this
auspicious milestone will be feted with a family gathering on Sunday,
April 27, 2014, at the Wayne County Nursing Home, Lyons, New York; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Clair W.V. Whitbeck and the former Leah
Rappole, Ruth Whitbeck Bush was born in Fulton, New York; she and her
sister were raised in Cortland, New York, by their aunt, Bessie Lewis;
and
WHEREAS, Ruth Whitbeck Bush graduated from Cortland Normal School, now
SUNY Cortland, in 1935, and taught Kindergarten/Elementary School in
Valley Stream, Long Island, for one year, before moving to Newark, New
York, to join her future husband; and
WHEREAS, In July 1937, Ruth Whitbeck married Bernald C. Bush,and the
couple enjoyed more than 63 years of marriage until his death in 2001;
this joyful union produced three children,the late Carolyn, James, and
William; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, The loving grandmother of Jeffrey, Scott, Peter, and Emily,
and the adoring great-grandmother of Oliver and Henry, Ruth Whitbeck
Bush has enjoyed a lifetime of friendships in the Newark, New York area,
as well as close friendships cultivated over many summers at the family
cottage on Owasco Lake; and
WHEREAS, Committed to education and civic engagement, Ruth Whitbeck
Bush was a member and organizer of the League of Women Voters in Newark
around 1938, a Guidance Teacher for Preschool Day Nursery, a member of
the Newark Traveler's Club, and worked at times for the Newark Public
Library; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Whitbeck Bush has been a dedicated member of Park Pres-
byterian Church for nearly 74 years, and has served the church in
several capacities; she was Director of the Youth Choir, a Sunday School
teacher, and an organizer of the Women's Circle, as well as the annual
bazaar; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ruth Whitbeck Bush was a longtime member of the
Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD), Esther Stevens
Brazer Guild, where she developed her skills in early American deco-
ration to the point of instructing others in such specialties as theorem
painting, stenciling, gold leaf and country tin painting; along with her
efforts in early American artwork, Ruth is accomplished in rug hooking,
including the dyeing and cutting of the fabric; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome

achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ruth Whitbeck Bush upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruth Whitbeck Bush.