Obituary of Ruth C. Underhill

Ruth Estella Coffin Underhill of Rochester, formerly of Geneseo passed away on December 13, 2015. Ruth will be fondly remembered by her extended family and friends. Ruth was known as "Nonie" (aunt and great-aunt) to Tammy, David, Heather and D.J. McGlashon all of Henrietta, cousin to Sue McGovern (Shel Lipsky) of Centerport, NY and Mary (William) Lebostchy of South Africa, relative of Ruby and David McIntyre of Perry, dear friend to Diane Hoener of Lakeville, and Mary Lynn and Paul Gras of McMurray, PA. Ruth was named Volunteer of the Year for Nunda, a teacher for hundreds of students in the Geneseo area, and a child of God to the members of Central Presbyterian Church in Geneseo, NY. Born in Dansville, NY on April 13, 1930, Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Walter Coffin, brother, Robert Coffin, and husband, Reverend Irvin Underhill. Ruth was raised in Nunda, NY and attended Geneseo State University. Ruth loved working at the Geneseo Campus School, not only training up young first and second graders, but also mentoring students seeking teaching certification through the college. She was always proud to have been part of a teacher training effort in Liberia, West Africa. Ruth was active in the ministries of the Presbyterian Church, USA, both in her own church and in the church government. Through that connection, she volunteered at the New York State Correctional Facility in Sonyea, NY and at Cameron Ministries in Rochester, NY. She also volunteered at the Nunda Historical Society. Ruth married Irvin Underhill, the first installed African-American pastor for the Presbyterian Church in upstate New York. Irvin was also a low-income housing advocate in Philadelphia, PA, an advisor to U.S. presidents in the 1960s, and a missionary to Africa. Ruth struggled with the effects of Lewy Body Dementia, associated with her tremor, since her mid-60s. Thanks to medical advances in drug therapy, and many kind, understanding friends, Ruth was able to live happily in spite of her ailment. No prior calling hours. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church in Geneseo on January 10, 2016 at 2 PM with Rev. Dr. Nancy Lowmaster and Rev. Mary Lynn Gras presiding. Ruth will be interred beside her beloved, Irvin, at Oakwood Cemetery in Nunda, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Ruth's church: Central Presbyterian Church, 31 Center Street, Geneseo, NY 14454.