Ruth M. (Muse) Potts

Ruth M. Potts (74) of Trumansburg, NY left this earthly plane peacefully on September 22, 2023 from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was at home, surrounded by her loving children and devoted husband of 47 years. Ruth was born on July 29, 1949 to George and Marjorie Muse in Atlanta, GA; however, she spent the majority of her childhood years in Glens Falls, NY.

Ruth was renowned in the Finger Lakes region for her prolific career as a midwife. After completing her training in England, she moved to NY, birthing over 300 children during her tenure. Ruth moved to Trumansburg in the early 70’s where she met the love of her life, Bob Potts. The two built a home and a life together on land in Hector where they grew bountiful gardens, had three beautiful children, and developed lifelong friendships.

A second career began for Ruth in the 90’s when she joined the staff at Enfield Elementary as their Library Clerk and acted for multiple years as a union representative for the para professionals. She embraced her love of books, introducing children to the joy of reading and was known to bring home a new favorite children’s book on more than one occasion.

An avid believer in community service through volunteering, a young Ruth started score keeping for athletic teams before Title IX made sports equally available to women.  Over the decades Ruth volunteered in the Trumansburg Elementary School, the Ulysses Philomathic Library, Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare, the Gemm Shop, and the GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance. Till the end she believed in the growth of knowledge, donating part of her vessel to the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Potts, her children Juli Parker (Jeff Gonsalves), Axel Potts, Johnno Potts, and Hannah Potts (Dana Stafford), her siblings, Paul Muse, Francis Muse, and Robin Muse; and her beloved dog Willie Nelson. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings James O. Muse and Connie Muse.

Willful to the end, Ruth’s legacy is one of community and coming together. A celebration of life, in her honor, will occur at the Potts pond on Stilwell Road next spring.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name may be made to the Ulysses Philomathic Library.