SHERBURNE – Ruby M. Priest of Chenango Ave., passed away Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 at Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton.
Born June 4, 1923 in Sherburne, she was a daughter of Glenn and Mabel Coakley Morey. She graduated from Sherburne High School in 1940 and Syracuse Central City Business Institute in 1941. Mrs. Priest continued her education with extensive financial and human resources courses through the New York State Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, as well as offerings of the University of Georgia and Princeton University.
After career stops with Melvin & Melvin, Esqs. in Syracuse and the Norwich Pharmacal Co., Mrs. Priest joined The National Bank & Trust Co. of Norwich in 1947 under the presidency of Mr. Otis A. Thompson. She moved through the Commercial, Trust and Administrative divisions, retiring in 1987 as Vice President Human Resources, culminating 40 years of service.
On May 16, 1954, Ruby was united in marriage with Robert L. Priest, well-known organist of Hamilton, a devoted union of over 50 years. Mr. Priest predeceased her on Nov. 21, 2004. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by a sister, Ruth Morey Coye and two brothers Ralph and Robert Morey.
Mrs. Priest was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Sherburne where she was actively involved as a choir member and Sunday school teacher, serving on the Administrative Board, the Music Committee, the 60+ Program, God’s Bread II and the Historical Committee. She was also the editor of the Church Chatter; secretary and treasurer of the Adult Fellowship; and through the Nurture Committee, organized dinners, receptions, luncheons, coffee hours and other hospitality events.
She was a 60-year member of the Sherburne-Tianderah Chapter #631, Order of Eastern Star; member of the National Association of Bank Women; BOCES Office Practice Advisory Committee; Mid-State Industrial Relations, and Tri-County Industrial Relations.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews who have held a very special place in her life.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church, Chapel St., Sherburne, where the family will receive friends before the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
There will be an O.E.S. service at 10:45 a.m.
Interment will be next to her husband in the West Hill Cemetery, Sherburne.
Contributions in Mrs. Priest’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church Future Fund, PO Box 556, Sherburne, NY 13460.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
“Take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me home.”