Ruth A. (Ward) Cronk

Ruth A. (Ward) Cronk, 79, passed away Tuesday morning, March 28, 2017 with her family by her side.

Born in Buckland on May 26, 1937, Ruth was the youngest of the seven children of Nelson and Blanche (Wilder) Ward. She attended local schools and was a graduate of the former Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls.

Ruth was married to Charles B. Cronk on March 24, 1956. They were married for 37 years prior to Charles' passing on December 29, 1993.

Ruth was a customer service representative for various local companies including Millers Falls Tool, Ingersol Rand, Channing L. Bete Publishing and most recently at Foster's Supermarket.

She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary while her husband Charles served as Commander of the Western Mass. DAV, Chapter 33.

In her free time Ruth enjoyed watching the birds frequent her bird feeders, an interest she gained from her mother.

Survivors include her four children; son Douglas Cronk and his wife Liz of Vero Beach, FL, son Donald Cronk and his wife Elizabeth of Montague, son Dennis Cronk and his wife Wendi of Greenfield, daughter Marie Hutchison and her husband Keith of Erving, 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brother Donald Ward and his wife Shirley of Buckland, brother Robert Ward and his wife Alice of Michigan, sister Beverly Wall of Buckland, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was predeceased by brother Russell and his wife Margaret, brother Richard and his wife Kathy, sister Elma Shippee and her husband Clifton and brother-in-law Gerald Wall.

Calling hours will take place Friday, March 31 from 4 to 7 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 1 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will take place later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or help support the local annual Relay for Life.

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