Ruth L. Hubmaster

Ruth L. Hubmaster, 69, of Sussex went home to the Lord on Sunday, May 1, 2016, while surrounded by her loving family and friends. Ruth was born in Atlantic City Oct. 10, 1946, to Isaac and Dorothy Leeds and attended the Atlantic City School System. She graduated from Glassboro State College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music.
A woman of faith and an accomplished Organist/Pianist, Ruth began playing organ at age 13 for the Venice Park Methodist Church and Chelsea Baptist Church of Atlantic City. Subsequently she played for Our Lady of Fatima RC Church in Linwood. Upon moving to Sussex County she became organist for Our Lady of Fatima RC Church in Highland Lakes. For the following 17 years, she was Organist/Choir Director for the Vernon United Methodist Church. Her career culminated after an additional 17 years with her retirement as Music/Choir Director for the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin.
Ruth had a 37-year career as a music educator. She began at Hamilton Twp/Mays Landing Schools where she taught for 4 years. In 1972, she moved to Sussex County and commenced a 33-year employment with the Vernon Twp. School District where she taught in five of the district’s six schools. Although her longest tenure was at Rolling Hills Primary School, as a General Music Teacher she taught thousands of children and organized and directed many school concerts which always displayed a flair for dramatic musical entertainment. During her teaching career she received many accolades including the State of New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award and the Tri-M Music Theater Honorary Award.
Musical Theater was another of Ruth’s accomplishments. The first production she was involved in was The Fantastiks. Many shows later after serving as Music Director for Vernon Twp. Theater Arts, Vernon Summer Theater, Highland Stage and Cornerstone Players her career came to a conclusion with a production at Warwick Valley Winery of The Fantastiks. The theme song from the show “Try to Remember and If You Remember Then Follow” epitomizes Ruth’s philosophy to be an example for her students to emulate and follow in their own lives. Indeed Ruth was honored by many of her former students and choir members who gathered recently at her home for a concert to pay tribute to their beloved teacher.
Ruth’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by her son Thomas and his wife, Jessica, her beloved grandchildren, Thomas Charles IV, Kierra Marie and Hannah Rae. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends from Rolling Hills and Franklin Presbyterian. Ruth will be greatly missed by her cats, Barry Manilow, Larry, Lucky Ducky and Sebastian.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday May 11, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, 11 Main St., Franklin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ferguson Funeral home 27 Third St. Sussex. For online condolences and directions please see www.fergusonsussexfuneralhome.com.