Ruth "Dean" Tucker Gardner

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Ruth 'Dean' Tucker Gardner gained her wings for her eternal rest. Ruth was the daughter of Essie Mae Holmes Tucker and the late James Tucker Jr. Ruth was born on May 15, 1950 on Sandy Island in Georgetown County, South Carolina.

She was educated in the Georgetown, SC and Troy, NY schools. Upon her return to Troy, NY after completing an associate's degree at SUNY Morrisville, she met Curtis L. Gardner. On July 29, 1972, they were joined in holy matrimony at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. From this union two children were born. 

Ruth spent over 30 years working for the State of New York in a variety of roles, from human resources to finance. She was also a member of the CSEA, serving as secretary. She was an avid crafter, knitting scarves and making jewelry. Ruth joined Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY in the early 1970's, where she served as an usher, which was one of her favorite things, and volunteered at many events throughout the years. 

She leaves to cherish in her memory her husband of 53 years, Curtis L. Gardner, one daughter, Tasha R. Gardner, Ed.D., Pennsauken, NJ, and one son, Todd C. (Karen) Gardner of Latham, NY, two grandchildren Olivia and Jacob, Gardner; mother Essie Mae Tucker, Murrells Inlet, SC; four sisters; Barbara Gray, Temple Hill, MD; Jauvonne Tucker, Conway, SC; Janice Tucker, Suitland, MD; and Twlya Tucker, Morningside, MD; three brothers; Timothy (Patricia) Tucker, Sandy Island, SC; Joe Harold Tucker, Murrells Inlet, SC; and Erwin (Charita) Tucker, Accokeek, MD; uncle Matthew Holmes, Murrells Inlet, SC; cousins, JoAnne (Richard) Belt, Manhasset, New York; Doris Day and Maureen Butler, Troy, NY. She also leaves to cherish in her memory one sister-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, James Tucker Jr.; brother Lester Tucker; sister Hazel Tucker; aunts Sarah Gore, Lillie Butler, Edna Knox, Margaret Gore, Rose Pee, Wilhelmenia Holmes; uncles Leon Butler, Ephlis Washington, David and Arthur Holmes; cousin Don Butler; and nephews Jermaine Canteen and Eric Tucker. 

Services will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church, 2165 Fifth Avenue, Troy, NY. Viewing will begin at 9:00am, and the service will commence at 11:00 am. Ruth will be interred on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.