Ruth Riley Wendell

Exeter- Ruth Riley Wendell passed away on August 27, 2024, just a few months shy of her goal of making it to 100. Ruth was known for her love of travel, dogs, current events, and the color purple. She left an impression wherever she went and those who met her usually came away with a Ruth story. Ruth grew up primarily in Utica, New York, graduating from Utica Free Academy. Ruth earned a BA from Middlebury College and later a Master's in Education from Cornell. Following her college graduation, she worked in New York City, then moved to Binghamton, New York, where she met Roy Wendell, her husband of 43 years. Ruth called Binghamton home for over 6 decades. Throughout her working career, she worked as both a teacher at Chenango Valley and a Social Worker in several settings, retiring from Binghamton State Hospital. In retirement, she and Roy travelled the world which Ruth continued to do after Roy's passing. She also relished her connection with Lyceum and her decades of skiing at Greek Peak which continued until she was 88. Ruth moved to Riverwoods in Exeter, NH in 2014 to be closer to her daughter, although she continued to think of Binghamton as home. Ruth was born on December 7, 1924, to Fannie E. Sheakley Riley and Robert Marke Riley. Fannie died when Ruth was 7. Her father later married Susan Richards Riley who provided a stable home for Ruth and her sister. In addition to her parents and stepmother, Ruth was predeceased by her husband Royal Powell Wendell. She was very proud of Roy's WWII service in the Army Air Force 92d Bomb Group for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. Her sister Helen Jean Kiffmeyer also predeceased her. Ruth is survived by her daughter Phyllis Wendell Mackey and husband Michael Mackey, her grandchildren (about whom she loved to brag) William Wendell Mackey and wife Elizabeth Oblinger Mackey, and Anna Powell Mackey and her partner Matthew Fulton Bigl. She also is survived by "extra" granddaughter Samantha Ryan Sherry, her husband Doug and children Dean and Tess, and wonderful nieces, nephews and their families. The family wishes to thank Riverwoods staff past and present who cared for Ruth with compassion, kindness and patience. Per her request, there will be no service, with interment of her ashes next to Roy, in Hillcrest, NY at a later date. Over her lifetime, Ruth became increasingly liberal and vocal in her politics. While she was able, she never missed a vote. In her honor, please get out and vote in November and donate to the Democrat of your choice!

Ruth Riley Wendell

December 7, 1924 - August 27, 2024