ROTTERDAM — Ruth S. Dexter, a strong woman who loved and supported her family, died peacefully in her Rotterdam home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. She was 90.

Born in Schoharie County, she was the daughter of the late Myrtle and Herbert Cater. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles E. Dexter. They married on June 27, 1953 and shared over 50 years of marriage until his passing on Feb. 2, 2005.

“Educated in the Gilboa and Middleburgh school districts in her adolescence, Ruth proudly returned to her education later in life and received her GED,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She married Charles in 1953 and they built their loving home together.

“In 1991, Charles and Ruth embarked on a new adventure and moved to Florida eventually. They missed home and returned to Rotterdam in 2005. Ruth was a retiree of the New York State Department of Taxation and finance, and worked over the years for Crupe’s Supermarket in Altamont and Central Market prior to her state job.

“An avid gardener, traveler, reader, and collector, Ruth collected knickknacks over her 90 years resulting in a large collection of items she enjoyed. Above all, Ruth will be remembered as a strong woman who always persevered, loved, and supported her family and asked for very little but constantly gave to others.”

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Ruth S. Dexter is survived by her children, Dennis Dexter, Marie (Leonard) Durham, and Glen (Linda) Dexter and by her grandchildren, Scott (Arienne), Brittany (Drayke), Lance (Regina), Victoria (Ben), and Courtnay.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alexander, Annalyn, Charlotte, Wesley, Lydia, Elsie, Bryce, and Myles; by one great-great-grandchild, Greyson; by her brother, Melvin Carter; and by several nieces and nephews.

Her husband and parents died before her, as did her siblings, Arlene Guest and Hebert Cater. 

“Services were held for Ruth privately and interment will be in Knox Cemetery in the Dexter family plot next to Ruth’s beloved Charles, the tribute said, adding, “Ruth’s children would like to thank John Leone and Rachel Sherman for all they did for their mother for her final months.”

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.