Ruta E. "Ruth" Zarins

Webster: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the age of 97. Predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her sister. Survived by her brother George (Thelma) Lejnieks; three nephews; two nieces; seven grandnieces; and five grand nephews.

Ruth's early life with her family in Latvia was a pleasant one until WW II came along and she had to survive some very hard times as first the Russians, and then the Nazis, and then again the Russians ravaged her homeland. Ruth was 16 years old when the good life in Latvia came to an end and she had to flee her country with essentially nothing but the clothes on her back.

Ruth remembered her early days in Latvia very well and they were always precious to her. After the war she wound-up living in several Displaced Person Camps in Germany including Pelworm, Husum, Flensburg, Oiten, and Bremer Haven.

In 1949, Ruth had an opportunity to come to the United States by herself to study Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma. This meant that Ruth had to learn to be independent at an early age to survive. Ruth successfully graduated from the University, got married, and moved to the New York City area.

In NYC she worked mostly as a Research Pharmacist for Corning Medical Center and later for a Revlon subsidiary. Her husband died at an early age and they never had any children.

Eventually. Ruth moved to Rochester to be with her remaining family. After her mom died, Ruth completely renovated the house her parents had lived in and lived there herself for many years. She worked at Wegmans as a pharmacist and continued working for Wegmans until her retirement.

In 2012, after a severe illness, Ruth moved to Cherry Ridge in Webster where she continued her active lifestyle.

Ruth has spent lots of time with all of us plus she has always been involved in countless activities and travels with friends. She has never ever lacked for things to do or people to do them with. She has been a frequent world traveler, music lover and gardener and kept in shape by regularly working out at the Y with Zumba, Yoga and other exercise routines. She has always been active in the Rochester Latvian church and community but more than anything else, she has been a loving sister, aunt and friend to all.

Ruth has always been a woman of many words although in her later years she did slow down a bit just as many of us have. No one could outtalk her, although many have tried. But, most of all, Ruth had a kind heart and always meant well for anyone she dealt with. She was always generous with her time and money and it was impossible to outdo her without appearing to be rude. She loved her family, relatives, and friends. She never lacked for things to do and people to do them with. She was always an optimist who led a full and colorful life and we will all miss her. Rest in peace Rutin.

A special note of thanks is in order for all of the people at Cherry Ridge in Wester who took such good care of Ruta. Thanks also to the RGH Hospice group who provided excellent end of life services.

A private service will be held at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Church, 783 Hard Road, Webster, NY 14580.

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home