Obituaries

Hightstown Resident of 88 Years Dies at 96

Ruth Perrine Birdsall was born and raised in Hightstown.

Ruth Perrine Birdsall, 96, of Monroe Township passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 after a long and full life. Born and raised in Hightstown, N.J., Ruth lived there for 88 years before moving to Monroe Township in 2005.

Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hightstown for 69 years. She was active in many church groups including the Live Wire Society and Golden Band Club. In her younger years, she was known for making gallons of homemade clam chowder for the annual First Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar.

She was also a member of the Hightstown Lioness Club, the Hightstown Republican Club and the Friday Club. Ruth was employed for several years by the former Hightstown Rug Company, where she met her husband of 60 years, Howard. Ruth was a co-owner of The Collectique Antique Shop along with her husband and friends, Jeanette and William Rue.

Wife of the late Howard S. Birdsall, Jr.; she is also predeceased by her parents, Addison James and Caroline E. "Carrie" (Dey) Perrine; her sisters, Lillian E. Michel, Isabel D. Lusby, Helen Delmage, Florence D. Perrine and her brother, John Duncan Perrine. Surviving is her son, Howard S. Birdsall, III, with whom she resided; and her daughter and son-in-law, Janet B. and Alan H. Rittman. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends may call 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 at the A.S. Cole Son and Company Funeral Home, 22 North Main Street, Cranbury. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the First Baptist Church of Hightstown, 125 South Main Street, Hightstown, N.J. 08520

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