Ruth McCarty O’Hara, 96 of Auburn, N.Y. passed away January 15, 2018 at her winter home in Orange City, Florida. Ruth, fondly known as “Ma” to her entire family was born on November 8, 1921, near Forksville, PA. At the age of 8, Ruth moved with her family to Central New York. In 1938, Ruth married Ward O’Hara, the beginning of a 59 year partnership. Their first endeavor was a small dairy farm for which Ruth did much of the farm work, bookkeeping, while raising a young family. This small operation evolved into the present day 3rd generation of O’Hara Farms. In 1965, Ruth was a co-founder of O’Hara Machinery, a John Deere farm equipment dealership; there Ruth was financial manager until her retirement. After retiring from the farm equipment dealership, Ruth and Ward established an antique furniture business, where Ruth spent many hours refinishing antiques. Together they enjoyed inviting the public for their semi-annual barn sales. When Ward, “The Storyteller”, began writing local books on history and penning a history column in The Citizen newspaper, Ruth supported his endeavor with many hours of research assistance. Ruth assisted in the creation of the Cayuga County Agricultural Museum, later re-named the Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum. As a tribute to Ruth’s effort, the library at the museum has been designated, “The Ruth McCarty O’Hara Library”. Ruth is survived by her three children and their families: Daughter Jaquelyn O’Hara Komanecky; Grandchildren: Valerie Komanecky Young (Ray), Bradley Komanecky (Anne), Melissa Komanecky; Great-grandchildren: Joshua Bartran (Mary), Emily Ruth Bartran; Great, great-grandchildren: Asher, Silas, and Ezra Bartran. Son Ted O’Hara (Bronwyn); Grandchildren: Heather Jaquay (Kevin), Kelly O’Hara (Julie), Dustin O’Hara (Julie Nolan), Alisa Gardiner (Todd), Jeffery O’Hara, Molly O’Hara, Annie O’Hara; Great-grandchildren: Lauren and Kallie Jaquay, Dillon and Collin O’Hara, Maisy and Addy Gardiner, Alexis O’Hara. Son Lloyd O’Hara (Cathleen); Grandchildren: Christian “Chip” O’Hara (Erica), Michelle O’Hara (Nick), Ryan O’Hara; Great-grandchildren: Lylah Ruth and Elijah Kelman. Also, Ruth is survived by several nieces and nephews, close nieces Marlene Rodee and Linda Kadan; as well as special friend, Sophie Connors. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Ward O’Hara (1918-1997); parents, Ralph and Wardie Wilcox McCarty; brothers, Lynn and Sanford McCarty; sister, Dorothy McCarty Torok; brother-in-law, Lloyd O’Hara; son-in-law, William Komanecky. Visitation will be held from 2PM to 4PM on Sunday April 29, 2018 at the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum, 6880 East Lake Road, Auburn, with a memorial service to follow ta 4PM.. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ruth’s memory, may donate to: Half Acre Union Church, 1768 West Genesee St. Rd., Auburn, N.Y. or Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, 6880 East Lake Road, Auburn, N.Y. 13021. Shakelton Funeral Home, 48 South Street, Auburn, is in charge of the arrangements.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruth O’Hara November 8 1921 January 15 2018 (age 96). Brew Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Auburn, state: New York