Obituary of Ruth L. Spencer

Ruth L. Spencer, 88, of Horseheads and formerly of Penn Yan, died on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. She was born in Madison, WI on May 24, 1933, the daughter of the late DeForest and Viola Palmiter. Ruth received her B.A. from Keuka College and later received her M.A.R.S. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Ruth married the Rev. George J. Spencer on June 24, 1955 in Poughkeepsie, NY. She was a homemaker, and also a writer and editor of Christian Education curriculum for Judson Press. She was a member of Second Milo Baptist Church in rural Penn Yan. Ruth also served several churches in many capacities in the area of Christian Education. She was former President of the PTA at Franklin Elementary School in Boone, IA and a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She served as President of the Mid-American Baptist Churches and President of the American Baptist Churches of New York State. Ruth was a skilled gardener, seamstress, and cook. She is survived by her sons, the Rev. Jeremy L. (Susan) Spencer of Odessa, NY and Jonathan M. Spencer of South Bend, IN; daughter, Sarah L. (Keith) Yoder of Maryville, TN; brother, Richard D. (Diane) Palmiter of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren; Rachel L. (Derek) Deutmeyer, Ryan S. Yoder, Dan N. Spencer and Jon Y. Spencer; two great grandchildren, Georgia and Theo; and by her aunt, Sally Singer. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. George J. Spencer in 2018. Ruth's memorial service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Second Milo Baptist Church, 1964 Second Milo Rd., Penn Yan with the Rev. David Daniels, pastor, to lead the service. Private burial will be in Second Milo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Second Milo Baptist Church, 1964 Second Milo Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home in Penn Yan.