Ruth Gardner

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Ruth Kurkian Gardner, 97, passed away September 24, 2017. She was born in Ankara, Turkey and came to the United States with her family as a young child. Ruth grew up in Binghamton and after graduating from Binghamton Central she went to work at the Arlington Hotel where she met her future husband, William. She was widowed at a young age and raised her two sons alone. Ruth was a devoted and loving mother, her sons never wanted for anything. A wonderful cook, she loved cooking for her family. Her grandchildren asked for rice pilaf to be served at every occasion possible. Ruth’s work ethic was to be envied. After William’s death, she returned to the workforce and worked for many of the department stores in downtown Binghamton until her retirement from the Bon Ton. . Ruth was a longtime member of Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church where she volunteered her time and talent for many years. She was predeceased by her husband William, grandson, Christopher Gardner, parents, Joseph and Rose Kurkian, brother, James Kurkian and sister, Naomi Kurkian. Ruth is survived by her children, Mark and Patricia Gardner, Endicott and Brian and Laurie Gardner, West Simsbury, Ct., treasured grandchildren; Gregory and Denise Gardner, Orlando, Fla., Geoffrey Gardner and Nicole Wayman, Binghamton, Courtney Gardner, Wethersfield, Connecticut and Abigal Gardner, West Simsbury, Connecticut. Ruth’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring staff of the Bridgewater Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton. Interment will follow services in Floral Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 am until the time of services. Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6 Morris Street, Binghamton, NY 13903. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com.