Ruth A. Cox

Obituary of Ruth A. Cox
COLONIE –
Ruth Ann Starr Cox (April 27, 1963 - October 12, 2025), an undeniable force of nature made of the greatest of mortal stuff, has brought her many gifts to the heavenly realm. At the age of 62, Ruth passed in the comfort of her home, following a heroic battle with cancer, surrounded by her family with her dog, Coco, curled up on her lap. Best known as a "woman who arranges things," her legacy lives on through her beloved husband of 42 years, Jeffrey Michael; their two daughters, Rachael Starr (Andrew Ouimet) and Olivia Ruth; her grandchildren, Luke Daniel and Harper Ruth; her older siblings, Pamela and David (Mary Starr); her nieces and nephews; and abundant friends. All of whom she loved beyond measure.
The youngest of four children, Ruth was born to Vivian and Floyd Starr of Oneonta, NY on April 27, 1963. She spent much of her childhood and young adulthood belting showtunes and practicing piano. Some of her favorite memories were made serving as her mother's stalwart navigator during spontaneous road trips domestically and abroad.
At the age of 19, Ruth orchestrated a meet-cute with the love of her life, Jeffrey. She purposefully collided with him in front of the salad bar at Christopher's Restaurant in Oneonta where Jeff worked. Ruth knew she found her person the moment Jeff jokingly said, "They really should put a stop light here!" After dating for a mere 10 months, Ruth gave Jeff one of her most iconic ultimatums resulting in their engagement and wedding within a year. They spent the first eight years of their marriage growing up together while living and traveling throughout the United States. Then, on August 9, 1991, their eldest daughter, Rachael, was born. Wanting Rachael to have a forever best friend, their youngest daughter, Olivia, was born on August 15, 1996.
Ruth reveled in being a mother, grandmother, and wife. She raised her daughters to love one another, work hard, and serve others. She filled their childhoods with incredible memories and experiences, often causing them to be tardy to school. Always wanting her girls to know she loved and supported them, Ruth sat in the front row of every performance. During the final five years of her life, she devoted herself to caring for her grandson, Luke. Taking him on adventures up and down the Eastern Seaboard, she was often found recording and narrating every adorable, mischievous, sweet thing Luke did.
Ruth was a long-standing, devoted member of the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. There, she taught Sunday School, organized various youth events, and served as a Deacon on the Consistory. While known for her unshakeable faith in God, she is best known for "cutting through the crap" with her outspoken comments at Consistory meetings.
Well, mom, it's time to put down your armor and rest. Your "foot soldiers" will take it from here. And since you can no longer get the last word we love you more. Wayyyyy more. Yes, it's possible! You will be with us always-in our names you painstakingly chose for us, in every "pink sky" we see on the horizon, in every showtune we belt on the top of our lungs, and in every filler and Botox injection we get for our eventual crows feet, eleven lines, and forehead wrinkles (all thanks to your genetics, no doubt!).
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 N. Church Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Ruth's family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com