Ruth Pupke

Ruth M. (Webb) Pupke, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Born in Saltville, Virginia, Ruth was the daughter of the late Ernest and Novella (Maiden) Webb. Ruth was raised in Roanoke, VA. Her family moved to Portland, OR during her Middle School years, then back East after the untimely death of her father. She, her mom, and brother were taken in by her kind Uncle Earl and Aunt Mary in Valley Stream, NY. There, Ruth attended Central High (class of 1949) and met her future husband Donald V. Pupke, Sr. Together, Ruth and Don raised seven children while running the family restaurant. Ruth was a kind soul who instilled caring, above all else, in her children.

Upon retirement, Ruth and Don spent 15 happy years in West Palm Beach, FL, where they made many good friends, enjoyed family dinners, played golf & shuffleboard and were active in their community. In 2009, they returned up North to Glenmont, NY, to be closer to family.

Ruth was an avid reader, card and Scrabble player and NYT crossword puzzler. She loved all kinds of music and enjoyed her years singing with Sweet Adelines and the Bethlehem Senior Choir.

Ruth was a grandmother to all. She inspired everyone she met with her cheerfulness and her capacity to love without judgement. Ruth will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband Don Sr., Ruth was predeceased by her eldest daughter Jeanne, her brother Don Webb and two grandchildren, Eric Dykes and Brian Pupke.

She is survived by her children, Eileen Duggan, Donald V. (Nancy) Pupke, Jr, Daniel E. Pupke (Patty), Robert (Heather) Pupke, Peg (Joseph) Digena and Christine (Christopher) Edwards; and Daughter-in-Law Regina Largent.

Ruth’s grandchildren: Andrew & Robert Duggan; Christopher (Danielle), Daniel & Annalyn Pupke; Andrew & Shane Pupke; Marion (Lauren) Digena-Ford, Grace (John) Alois, Alison (Tim) Saia; Regan (Matt Kobunski), Griffin (Luna Horan) & Cole Edwards; Also survived by beloved nieces and nephews and four great-grandchildren who brightened Ruth’s final years.

Ruth was grateful for her friends at Van Allen Community, Glenmont, NY. Ruth’s family would like to thank Community Hospice for their caring support these last weeks.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday September 15, 2026 from 4 pm – 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday September 17, 2026 at 10:45 AM at her family’s Long Island parish, Holy Name of Mary RC Church in Valley Stream. Ruth will be interred alongside her husband, Don, at Long Island National Military Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Association which was a helpful resource during Don’s illness OR to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd. Albany, NY.