Ruth M. White Luczka

1931 – 2026

Ruth passed away on Wednesday 24 June 2026, at the age of 94.She was born on October 21, 1931, to Howard G. White, Sr. and Helen D. Smith White, Ruth was raised on a dairy farm in Dix, New York, where she developed a lifelong love of horses. She graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1949.

Ruth was formerly married to George P. Kiskiel, Sr., with whom she shared three children. While raising her family, she devoted herself to being a homemaker. Later, she entered the workforce and found fulfillment in serving others through nonprofit organizations. Among the positions she held, she was especially proud of her work as Director of HEAP for Oneida County Community Action and Director of Cornhill People United.

On July 12, 1981, Ruth married John M. Luczka and made her home in Forestport, New York. John passed away on June 6, 1992.

A self-taught grant writer, Ruth played a key role in securing funding for a major water project that brought town water service to hundreds of Forestport residents. Never one to slow down, she opened Golden Glow Real Estate at the age of 70, helping others find homes and properties throughout the North Country she loved so dearly.

Ruth was a trailblazer in many ways. As a member of the Boonville chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, she became the first woman in New York State to serve as treasurer. A lifelong Democrat, she remained actively involved in local politics in both Rome and Forestport throughout her life.

Creative and talented, Ruth enjoyed singing, playing pitch, painting, knitting, writing poetry, sewing, quilting, and many other artistic pursuits. She generously shared her talents as a 4-H sewing instructor for several years. Above all, she treasured time spent with friends and rarely enjoyed anything more than a trip to “the diner” for coffee and conversation.

Surviving are her daughter, Barbara K. (James) Acchino of Rome; her son, John H. Kiskiel of Rome; and her daughter-in-law, Deborah I. Kiskiel of Lee Center. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Michelle (Adam) Lowery of Rome, Evan P. Kiskiel of Lee Center, Jenna L. (Sydney) Kiskiel of Rome, Lauren D. (David) Tiedeman of Medina, Ohio, John H. (Emilie) Kiskiel of Selkirk, New York, and Leeann M. (Robert) Smolinski of Northwestern, New York. Ruth was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Natalie and Melanie Smolinski and Sienna and Troy Tiedeman, and Jacob Giacona, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Helen, husband, John M. Luczka; her son, George P. Kiskiel, Jr., who passed away on January 12, 2022; her sister, Pearl W. Alvarez; and her brothers, Howard G. White, Jr. and Loring C. White.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday June 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc. 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, N.Y. 13440. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be in Saint Stanislaus-Saint Casimir Societies Cemetery, Whitesboro, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr., Suite 102, East Syracuse, N.Y. 13507 or online at https://alz.org/centralnewyorkor to a charity of one’s choice in Ruth’s memory.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.