Ruth O. Hallenbeck

Ruth Olmstead Hallenbeck, 89, left this earth and entered the presence of God on August 12, 2026 at the Betsy Ross Nursing Home in Rome, New York, with her family at her side.

Ruth Olmstead was born on September 4, 1936 to Victor and May Olmstead of Northville, New York. She graduated from Northville High School in 1954 and obtained an associate degree in education from SUNY Cobleskill in 1957. She then worked as a kindergarten teacher in Galway, New York. In 1960, Ruth enrolled in SUNY Oswego to pursue her bachelor's degree. While attending college, she met Bruce E. Hallenbeck from Cleveland, New York. The two were married on December 1, 1961, and shared 64 years of marriage before Ruth went to Heaven.

Ruth was Mom to Trisha (Stephen) Smith, Jeffrey (Rachel, deceased) Hallenbeck, Trina (Brian) Mohney, and Jay (Audrey) Hallenbeck. She was Gramma to ten grandchildren: Hayley (Nathaniel) Steinbiss, Cameron (Lauren) Smith, Brady Smith, Quinn (Jo) Smith, Rowan Smith, Megan Hallenbeck, Nathan and Aaron Mohney, and Molly and Cora Hallenbeck. She was Great Gramma to four: Caiden, Logan, and Warren Steinbiss, and Reagan Smith.

Throughout her life, Ruth held a variety of jobs, but her most notable work was in education. She served as a substitute teacher at Lowville Academy and Central School from 1968 to 1980 and as a teacher assistant in North Syracuse School District from 1981 to 1998. Ruth retired from education in 1998 after a successful career in which she touched the lives of countless children.

Ruth served God faithfully in many ways throughout her life. No matter where they lived, she was very active in her local church. She worked with children, sang in choirs or special music with Bruce, played piano, served on missions councils, and did all she could to further God’s kingdom. She was a longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene, primarily attending the Lowville, North Syracuse and Canastota churches. In her later years, she attended Queen Village Bible Church and Cleveland Methodist Church.

She raised her children in the church, praying for them daily, and teaching them to put God before all else. One constant in Ruth’s life was Brooktondale Nazarene Camp, where she camped and served faithfully for more than 50 years.

Ruth loved God, family, music­—including singing and playing the piano and trumpet—crafts such as crocheting, knitting, ceramics, and painting, camping, reading, playing games, and food, especially desserts. Ice cream was a definite favorite. She especially loved it when someone brought her an ice cream sundae when they came to visit.

Dementia is a cruel disease, and although it gradually took these things from her over the past several years, her family is confident that God stayed with her every second of every day, providing what she needed while she was trapped in this earthly body. We know that she is now in His presence for all eternity. Praise be to God!

A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at the Cleveland Methodist Church, 73 Bridge St., Cleveland, NY. Family and friends are welcome to gather to honor her memory and celebrate the life she lived. Lunch will be provided by the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s name to Brooktondale Nazarene Camp & Retreat Center.

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