HERKIMER-Ruth Porter Short age 82 of West German Street entered into eternal rest on Thursday afternoon September 23, 2004 in Valley Health Services Inc. She was born on January 11, 1922 in Hackensack, NJ, daughter of the late George Lee and Marion B. Devendorf Porter. Ruth was raised in Herkimer and was a graduate of Herkimer High School. She furthered her education at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree. She then went on to receive her Masters of Science Degree from Case-Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. Ruth lived in Cleveland for thirty years. She had worked as Staff and Administration Volunteer for the Young Womens Christian Association in Cleveland and was a Professor of Physical Education at Coyahoya Community College retiring in 1981. Upon her retirement she came back to live in Herkimer. Ruth had a strong sense of community; she was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Mohawk Valley Chapter American, the Salvation Army and the Herkimer County Historical Society. She was a founding member and stayed very active with Sheppards Table at the Herkimer Reformed Church and a member of Valley Helpers. She was a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, AAUW and AARP. She had a strong belief in God and faithfully attended the Herkimer Reformed Church. Surviving are several cousins including Susan Tarnacki of Frankfort and many dear and devoted friends. Funeral service will be on Monday at 2:00 pm in the Herkimer Reformed Church, Herkimer. The Reverend James Foster Interim Pastor will officiate. Interment will take place in the family at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later time. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Sunday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with donations to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Dr Le and Dr. Hammond for the care and compassion shown to Ruth during her illness.