Ruth White Berry

8/20/26

Ruth White Berry passed away on August 20, 2026. She was born on December 15, 1929, in Danbury, Connecticut, to John and Susie White. Her life spanned nearly a century of remarkable change, but throughout it, Ruth remained deeply connected to her friends and family and the simple pleasures that made life special.

Ruth’s early years were spent in Danbury, where she attended a one room school house in Mill Plain through sixth grade. She later attended Danbury High School, graduating in 1947. Following high school, Ruth ventured to Manhattan and attended the Barbizon School of Modeling - an exciting beginning for a young woman coming from a small Connecticut schoolhouse. She went on to work for many years as a dental receptionist in both Connecticut and New York.

Ruth lived a full and active life. She loved playing tennis and golf, swimming in the beautiful waters of Skaneateles Lake, and spending quieter hours cross-stitching and knitting. She also carried on an especially treasured family tradition: making homemade ravioli from her Italian grandmother’s recipe, using her special ravioli rolling pin brought over from “the old country”. Granddaughters Emily and Shelby remember fondly the fun they had with Ruth learning how to make that special recipe. For Ruth, food was more than a meal - it was a way of keeping family history alive and sharing it with the people she loved.

Above all, Ruth will be remembered for the kindness she showed to others. She was remarkably non-judgmental and accepting, always willing to let people be exactly who they were. This was especially true with her grandchildren, whom she she loved wholeheartedly and without conditions. They knew they could be themselves with Ruth. She offered a listening ear, a warm heart, and a safe place to land, never making them feel judged or misunderstood.

Perhaps most important to Ruth were the relationships she built throughout her life. Family, to Ruth, was never defined simply by blood. She was deeply loved and cherished as a Grandmother, Great grandmother and Babuschka by Emily McAllister, Erik McAllister, Tanner Shepardson, Riley Shepardson, Shelby Shepardson, Olivia McAllister, Bradley McAllister, Owen Katz and Rory Katz. The love they shared was every bit as real and enduring as any blood family bond could be.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, John and Susie White: her sister Jean Reidhaan; her brother John V White; and her only child, Linda Berry Santino. She was also predeceased by Dale McAllister, her beloved companion of nearly 40 years.

Those who loved Ruth will remember far more than the years she lived. They will remember her loving kindness and her unwavering acceptance and devotion to her friends and family. She created a lifetime of memories and holds a special place in the family that loved her - not because they had to, but because she was theirs. She will be deeply missed

Services are private. Donations to honor Ruth’s memory may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To leave condolences, please visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.