Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw – 100 years young – a resident of UpDyke Willow Ridge Nursing Facility, formerly of 7905 Bishopville Rd., Almond, died Thursday evening (May 4, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a “Disagreement With Old Age.”
Born in Hornell on October 24, 1922, she was the daughter of Cornelius & Louise (Myers) Griffin.
A lifelong resident of the Hornell-Almond area, Ruth attended Hornell High School and later was employed in the housekeeping department of Alfred State College. Throughout the years, she served as a waitress for several area restaurants, including Coslo’s, Brother’s Four, Tops Diner, Sherwood Hotel, Texas Hot, Big Elms, Jumbo’s Restaurant (with her mother & sister) and the Arkport Inn. For 26 years Ruth was worked at Wegman’s Grocery, first in the meat department (the older Wegman’s) and later the deli department (new Wegman’s). She retired in 2014 at the tender age of 91½.
Ruth was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church. Her happiest moments were simply raising her large family.
She was married to Clifford McMichael who died in 1975. She later married Stanley Shaw who died in 1996. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edward Griffin and Charles Griffin; 2 sisters, Ruby Childs and Gertrude McDaniels; 2 sons-in-law, Joe Rechichi and Larry Kame.
Surviving are 1 daughter, JoAnne Rechichi Kame of Arkport; 4 sons, Clifford “Pete” (Barb) McMichael of Bishopville, Edward (Claudia) McMichael of Alfred Station, Dale (Tera) McMichael of Alfred Station and Joseph (Janet) McMichael of Alfred Station; her step-son, Bud Shaw of Ohio; 26 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Ruth C. (McMichael) Shaw will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM a the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY
Ruth’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38148. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or print a memorial form, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
