Obituary

Ruth M. Stewart (née Wilcock)

Ruth M. Stewart, 78, passed away on September 11, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her and so many friends whose lives were better for knowing her.

Born on October 29, 1947, to the late John and Katherine Wilcock, Ruth was born and raised in Stanhope and attended Netcong High School.

Ruth was one of those people who made others feel welcome. She had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a way of making people laugh, even on a difficult day. She gave so much of herself to others, and the friendships she made often lasted for decades. To some, she became like a sister.

For her children and her daughter-in-law, one quality shone above all others: no matter what you needed or when you needed it, Ruth was always there for you, without fail. She didn’t wait to be asked—she offered her help.

Through her work at AT&T and UCP, Ruth made lasting friendships and was remembered for taking new coworkers under her wing. She shared her knowledge with patience, offered encouragement, and brought people together. Sometimes that meant helping someone learn the ropes, and sometimes it meant a lunch filled with homemade food and plenty of laughter.

Ruth also owned the Jigger Shop in Hackettstown and, in more recent years, worked at Cranberry Lake Deli. She became a familiar and much-loved part of her customers’ mornings. Some would look for her car before deciding to stop in, because seeing Ruth was part of what made the visit special. She was always baking, and her homemade blueberry, cinnamon, and pumpkin breads were favorites with a cup of coffee.

Her care for others extended well beyond work. Ruth was active in Stanhope Presbyterian Church on Main Street, served as a deacon, and devoted time in recent years to the food pantries connected with her congregation. Her faith was reflected in the ways she helped people. She also had a special love for animals, something her friends remembered with great affection.

Ruth was proud of her family and spoke of them often. She is survived by her sons, Christian Stewart and Barry Stewart; her daughter-in-law, Debra Stewart; and her grandson, Shawn. She also leaves behind dear friends of many years who will miss her deeply.

We will miss her kindness, her laughter, the food she made with love, and the everyday conversations that meant more than we knew. Most of all, we will miss knowing she was always there. Ruth made a difference in people’s lives simply by being herself. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Stanhope Presbyterian Church, 100 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey. A light repast will follow at the church.