Ruth J. Zukowski was born in 1928 to Polish immigrant parents, Frank and Teresa Witkowski. Her father, known as “Dziadja,” was a stern yet deeply loved and strong man, while her mother was a warm, kind woman, often seen in her house dress and apron. Frank was a skilled carpenter who built and owned several homes in Buffalo’s Kaisertown neighborhood. During the Great Depression, he was unable to collect rent and ultimately lost his properties to the banks. As a result, he moved Ruthie and the entire family to his brother’s farm in Lancaster.

Ruthie was the second oldest of eight children—five girls and three boys. The family suffered the heartbreaking loss of one sister, Irene, at a young age. As a young woman, Ruthie held several jobs, including work in a box factory. However, she most fondly remembered her time as an elevator operator at the Liberty Bank building, where she was eventually promoted to manager of the elevator operators.

At the end of World War II, Ruthie met the love of her life, Chester Zukowski—an airman and former prisoner of war in Germany. After ten years of hoping for a child, they were blessed with their son. From that moment on, Ruthie devoted herself fully to being a mother and homemaker. Chester worked as a mechanical and electrical engineer for Cornell and Wurlitzer, traveling frequently across the country. This, combined with Ruthie raising an only child, created an especially close and lasting bond between mother and son.

Family was always at the center of Ruthie’s life. She remained deeply connected to her siblings and extended family. As one of the few family members who owned a car, she became the go-to person for rides to appointments, errands, and outings. Many cherished memories were made on trips to the beach and places like Fantasy Island. When Wurlitzer left town and Ruthie preferred not to relocate, Chester transitioned into real estate and purchased several laundromats. Ruthie took on the responsibility of cleaning and restocking them each night. This often became a family effort, with sisters and cousins pitching in—motivated by the promise of ice cream from Hess & Beeman’s afterward. Ruthie was a hardworking woman who did whatever it took to move her family forward.

Over time, most of the unattended laundromats were sold. With the support and trust of both his parents, their son, John went on to build his own business. That trust—especially their willingness to co-sign his first loan—remains a deeply cherished memory. Though Ruthie was always strong for her family, her life was not without challenges. She struggled with ongoing health issues that were later diagnosed as Crohn’s disease, which led to bowel resection surgery and long-term complications. Despite frequent hospitalizations, she remained resilient. She took pride in her appearance, maintaining her sense of style and enjoying dressing well throughout her life.

In the early 1970s, Ruthie and Chester designed and built their home in Elma. Ruthie had a natural talent for interior design, and her home reflected her creativity and eye for detail. After Chester’s passing, she moved into an apartment in her son’s home, where she once again made the space beautiful and welcoming. Ruthie loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Florida, Puerto Vallarta, and Sedona to name a few. She especially treasured time spent with her cousin Agnes, who was like a sister to her, and Agnes’s daughter, Anne. Later in life, Ruthie moved to West Seneca to live with her older sister Doris and her beloved brother Stanley, whom she helped care for. Stanley, gentle and kind, was a special presence in her life. Remarkably, at 96 years old, Ruthie was still driving and caring for him. She also enjoyed making new friends at Elison Independent Living.

At 97, following several falls and the loss of Stanley, her health declined to the point where she could no longer maintain the independence she cherished. With courage and grace, she made the decision to let go. In her final days, Ruthie repeatedly expressed her deep love for her son and urged him to cherish Pam, her future daughter-in-law, whom she adored. She also held a special place in her heart for her sister Terri, her grandchild Ruben, her nephew David and his wife Darlene and her niece Susie. Ruthie meant the world to many. She was a bright, loving presence whose kindness and generosity touched all who knew her. She will be remembered for her love of baking and cooking, her joy in dancing and her impeccable style wearing heels, scarves and jewelry well into her 90s.

She is now at peace—free from pain and reunited with the family and friends she loved who passed before her.

Rest in Peace, Ruth J. Zukowski

October 22, 1928 – March 23, 2026

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Orchard Heights and Hospice Buffalo for the compassion and support they provided to Ruth.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ruth’s touching life and enduring legacy is scheduled for the summer. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to check back for updates regarding the service. If you would like to leave your email address in the guest book below and we will notify you when services have been completed.

Ruth will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory by sharing a photograph in the online Photo Album or a favorite memory in the Guest Book on her Tribute page. Through these remembrances, her enduring spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew and loved her.